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Kareena and I look great together, says Imran Khan
Philippines storm toll reaches 650; 800 missing
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pakistantoday.com.pk
rs15.00 Vol ii no 172 22 pages islamabad edition
monday, 19 december, 2011 muharram-ul-haram 23, 1433
Legharis, Tarin, Kasuri to jump aboard PTI ship Islamabad Staff RepoRt
KaRaCHI/Islamabad
G
g
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President lands at PAF Masroor base at 1:05am and heads to Bilawal House under tight security To remain in Karachi for a few days before leaving for Islamabad
Staff RepoRt
IvING a shock of their life to media critics and his political opponents who had created a stir across the country that he would not return to Pakistan on the pretext of his ill-health, President Asif Ali Zardari returned early on Monday to question the credibility of his detractors for speculating his political future amidst the memo controversy. With the reports from Dubai that Zardari was ready to leave for Pakistan, the analysts who had suspected his return in their writings and talk shows once again attempted to twist the situation, but they had to eat dust as the president returned early on Monday – the day the Supreme Court is set to take up the memo case – telling his opponents that he would face all challenges and not run away. The president’s special flight PK-01 landed in Karachi at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Masroor base at 1:05am. Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah received the president. Sindh Information Minister Shazia Marri said the president, despite his return, would get bed rest in accordance with the advice of his doctors. “The president’s return will shut the mouths of some people,” she added. Security was beefed up in the city, and large contingents of police, Rangers and the Frontier Constabulary (FC) were suddenly deployed on Karachi roads, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, in the late hours of Sunday. Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wasan arrived at the Bilawal House to review security arrangements. continued on page 23
zardari seemed worried before departure | page 09 rumours of change die down | page 02
Influential political leaders in Punjab, including the sons of former president Farooq Leghari, Jehangir Khan Tarin and Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri have decided to join the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) to secure their political future in the next elections. According to sources, member of the National Assembly (MNA) Owais Leghari and Jamal Leghari – both presently associated with the Pakistan Muslim LeagueQuaid (PML-Q) — would announce their decision to join the PTI today (Monday), as they were not comfortable with their party’s alliance with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Amongst others expected to join the PTI from PML-Q and Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) include Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Sikandar Bosan, Ishaq Khakwani, Col (retd) Ghulam Sarwar Cheema, G.G Jamal, Senator Mohabat Khan Marri and others. “The group of former and sitting parliamentarians will join the Imran Khan’s party in a press conference to be held at National Press Club at 3 pm,” Ishaq Khakwani and Ghulam Sarwar Khan told Pakistan Today. Operating under the leadership of Jahangir Khan Tareen, the self-labeled ‘Clean Party’ made the decision after PTI Chairman Imran Khan expressed reluctance in forging an alliance with any political party. Previously, the group had been mulling a political alliance with the PTI after getting a new political party registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Jahangir Tareen, Sikandar Bosan, Ishaq Khakwani, Col (retd) Ghulam Sarwar Cheema, G.G Jamal, Awais Legari held ministerial berths in previous govern-
ment of PML-Q from 2002 to 2007 and their defection from the Q-League will prove a major blow to the Chaudhrys who have been striving hard to keep Musharraf’s launched version of Muslim League intact. Separately, chairman steering committee PML-Likeminded and former foreign minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri will announce his decision to join the PTI. The Tareen-led group met a number of times in the last few weeks in Lahore and Islamabad to decide the group’s future course of action. When asked to comment on legal challenges to sitting parliamentarians including Jahangir Tareen, Jamal Leghari, Awais Leghari and Mohabat Khan Marri on joining the PTI, Ishaq Khakwani said PML-Q dissident leaders were not afraid of disqualification references. On the other hand, a meeting of the Steering Committee of the PML-Likeminded is scheduled to be held in Lahore on Tuesday to decide about an alliance with the PML-N or PTI. Strong differences exist between party leaders, sources claim. PTI sources said that a number of politicians from Multan, considered supporters of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, would join the party’s fold in the coming few days. They include former Federal Minister Sikandar Bosan, former Provincial Minister Hafiz Iqbal Khakwani and other PPP MPAs. Staff Report Meanwhile, renowned Punjabi singer Abrar-u-Haq is set to join PTI and will make an official announcement today ( Monday) at his residence U Block DHA Lahore. PTI Chairman Imran Khan will participate in the press conference. On Tuesday, Imran Khan will visit Kasur and talk with former Foreign Minster Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri who will announce his decision to join PTI.
PM says conspiracies being hatched to avoid Senate polls in March LAHORE: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Sunday said the conspiracies being hatched by some elements against the democratic government were aimed at avoiding the Senate elections in March 2012. Talking to journalists at the wedding ceremony of former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Asma Jehangir’s daughter, the prime minister discarded the memo scandal as a “nonissue”, saying it was being blown up unnecessarily. He ruled out the possibility of a military coup, saying his recent meeting with Army Chief General Asfaq Parvez Kayani was positive and that there was no threat to the democratic setup in the country. Rejecting the idea of a government led by technocrats, Gilani said, “There is no room for technocrats, caretakers or ‘chair-takers’ in the system.” STAFF RePoRT
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02 News
Monday, 19 December, 2011
ISlAMAbAD
newS
CoMMenT
Christmas preparations in full swing in twin cities Mingora Central Bridge in a shambles
Today’s
a flawed, immoral war: The US draws out from some place they never should have gone to.
out of jail:
Quick
Afaq Ahmed’s long-delayed release could spell trouble for Karachi.
Basharat Hussain Qizilbash says: The hot frontier: Fighting the tribals has never been easy.
Waqqas Mir says:
Look
More on Khan: He needs to answer some tough questions.
Kuldip Nayar says: A government teetering: Congress in trouble.
Story on Page 07
Story on Page 10
Articles on Page 12-13
Senate body asks high-ups not to announce packages from PSDP isLAmAbAd: Urging the president and prime minister not to announce special packages from PSDP allocations of the National Highway Authority (NHA), the Senate Standing Committee on Communications said in its report that PSDP funds should be given on ground of regional equity and released on one line disbursement basis. Giving recommendations in its report for August 2009 to August 2011, which was submitted in the Senate on Wednesday, the Senate Standing Committee on Communications said, “The president and PM may not announce special packages from within the allocations of NHA and special allocations be made over and above the approved amount, particularly for deposit works and PSDP funds for projects in various provinces should be allocated keeping in view regional equity and be released on one line disbursement basis”. The committee recommended to NHA to ensure that the given amounts were spent according to the priority prescribed in the PSDP. The committee also said in its report that equitable attention should be given to projects in backward areas, as it would help eliminate a sense of deprivation from under-developed areas of the country. The committee said that contractors failing to complete maintenance works and required quality standards should be blacklisted and no contract should be awarded to them, including those who leave a project mid-way, in the future. The committee also said that open tender documents must be issued without any discrimination and the NHA chairman must ensure transparency in this regard. The committee added that Balochistan should be given special preference keeping in view the sense of deprivation in the province and there should not be any cuts on PSDP funds for the province. The committee also recommended that tax should be levied on NATO trucks and trailers at exit points located on national highways and identical transit fee should also be charged from international freight traffic coming to Pakistan from Afghanistan, Iran and China for using national roads network. According to the committee, NHA should revisit its project agreements with the National Logistic Cell (NLC) and Frontier Works Organisation (WFO) and take possession from them of toll plazas on motorways as soon as possible and contracts for toll collection should be awarded through open and competitive bidding on a guaranteed revenue basis. Staff RepoRt
Qadri wants national govt under SC’s supervision
RaWaLpINDI: pakistan awami tehreek activists listen to the telephonic address of Dr tahirul Qadri at Liaquat Bagh on Sunday. INP
Musharraf to be back in January g
Former president says ISI and security forces are guarantors of Pakistan’s solidarity laHoRe
D
Staff RepoRt
ECLARING the country’s condition as serious, which direly needed a change, former president and All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) President General (r) Pervez Musharraf announced on Sunday that he will return to the country in January instead of March. Addressing a 32-minute long video conference from London, the former president focused on issues such as memogate scandal, the president’s illness, economy, destruction of profitable state-owned organisations, terrorism and the Mohmand incident and said that the panacea for Pakistan’s prevailing challenges did not lie in undemocratic initiatives and incorporating the military into politics would be very fatal for the country and the people. Musharraf said that the ISI and air force were guarantors of Pakistan’s solidarity and sovereignty, adding that some conspiring elements were making conspiracies through the memo issue to defame the ISI and security forces. The former president said that he will launch a campaign on his return with the help of the masses to counter
threats facing the country. He said that enemies of Pakistan knew that they could achieve the target of weakening Pakistan only through weakening the army and ISI, adding that it was unfortunate that some Pakistanis were knowingly or unknowingly doing the dirty work of foreign powers to damage the image of the army and ISI. The APML president said that the NATO incursion at Mohmand Agency’s check post was a dangerous omen but the federal government and the people should not handle the issue emotionally but logically. He said, “The federal government and people should definitely get an answer from NATO for martyring 24 soldiers boldly but they should not handle the issue emotionally”. Musharraf said that the ISI was fighting a war with the local and foreign enemies of Pakistan and it was very good at confronting enemies of the state, adding that the ISI’s professional standards could be matched with the CIA, Mossad and Raw, as the agency with meager resources was countering its much bigger enemies. The former president said that he would initiate dialogue with extremist elements operating inside the country. Commenting on performance of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pak-
istan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in their erstwhile regimes, Musharraf said that both parties remained in power twice but delivered nothing to the masses except challenges and shortfalls. The APML president urged the people to cast their votes beyond affiliations of caste and creed, linguistic, religious and provincial prejudices to steer the country out of crises and challenges. Musharraf said that state institutions were in a state of constant confrontation while the president was out of the country under mysterious circumstances, as no citizen knew whether the president was suffering from some physical, mental or political problem. Earlier, APML Secretary General Barrister Saif, APML Punjab President Zahid Sarfraz, Ahmed Raza Kasuri and APML Spokesman Fawad Chaudhry also addressed the event. This was the first successful APML moot in Lahore as compared to previous shows. APML leaders managed participation of party activists from various districts of the province to make the show successful. Some participants of the Pakistan Defence Council moot, who were passing by Nasir Bagh, venue of the APML public meeting, chanted antiMusharraf slogans but no untoward incident took place.
RAwALpindi: Minhajul Quran International Chairman Dr Tahirul Qadri on Sunday called for formation of a national government under supervision of the Supreme Court (SC). In his video address from Canada to a public rally at Liaqat Bagh, Qadri said that to pull the country out of existing problems a national government was the need of the hour. He said that time had come for a change, adding that a national government, having representation of all segments of society, including the army and judiciary, could resolve the problems being faced by the masses. “In the current system where people are dying of hunger, rampant corruption, rising price hike, our society neither remains Islamic nor democratic,” he said. The cleric said that Pakistan’s present system needs a political surgery. “The real change would neither emanate from the establishment nor from the current electoral system, rather the people’s uprising against the oppressive system would be instrumental in changing the system,” he said. Qadri said that even if 100 elections were held under the present system, the dream of change would never materialise. The Minhajul Quran chairman strongly criticised policies of the Election Commission (EC). “According to elections laws, no candidate can spend more than Rs 0.3 million on his election campaign but in every election, candidates spend million of rupees for running their campaigns but the EC keeps mum over the issue.” Some participants chanted slogans in former Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer’s killer Mumtaz Qadri’s favour due to which a scuffle broke out between the participants. Police arrested five people for disturbing the rally and shifted them to the police station. Staff RepoRt
Top Chinese official due this week isLAmAbAd: Top Chinese Foreign Ministry official Dai Bingguo will visit Pakistan this week to discuss the current standoff between Pakistan and the US and other regional and international issues with the country’s top leadership. Since 2008, Bingguo has emerged as one of the foremost and highest-ranking figures of Chinese foreign policy in President Hu Jintao’s administration. One important aspect of the top Chinese official’s visit to Islamabad is his discussions with civilian and military leaders on the controversy surrounding the memo issue. Staff RepoRt
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Monday, 19 December, 2011 NEWS
03
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04
PakiStaN today
Pakistan-Qatar relations deep, time-tested
HE Sayar Bin Abd Rahman Al-Maawdah, Ambassador of Qatar
by syed Turab shah
T
T
HE State of Qatar is celebrating its 40th independence anniversary this year, and it gives us great pleasure and satisfaction to acknowledge our solidarity today with the Pakistani nation. The State of Qatar has experienced astounding growth in industrial development, capital investment and in the financial industry, and enjoys the distinction of being the richest Muslim nation in the world. Indeed, the State has always been a staunch advocate of Islamic financial solutions to contemporary market needs. We express our gratitude at the hospitality and warmth of the
Pakistani government and the Pakistani people. Both our countries have grown very close to each other. The values, aspirations and the common religious and cultural foundations we share have paved the way for brotherly bilateral relations, and we are confident that we shall witness our proud nations prospering together.
HE Rashid bin Shafeea al Marri, Consul General of Qatar
O
N this momentous occasion I avail this opportunity to extend my heartfelt felicitations to H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Heir Apparent, H.E Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Dignitaries of Qatar Government and Qatari Brethren. At the outset I would also like to express my gratitude to our Pakistani brethren and government of Pakistan for their hospitality and cooperation. I also find it imperative
Monday, 19 December, 2011
he relations between Pakistan and Qatar are deep, time-tested and the leadership and people of both brotherly Muslim countries have immense love and respect with each other as Qatar Government has played key role in providing timely assistance and rehabilitation to flood victims. The people of Pakistan and Qatar are associated with each other in diversified fields, religion and both countries are enjoying cordial relations. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are contributing a lot in development of Qatar and are earning valuable foreign exchange for Pakistan. Pakistani Ambassador in Qatar, Asghar Afraid is providing best facilities to the Pakisatnis there and there is unprecedented increase of arrival of Pakistanis to Qatar seeking jobs and trade purposes and the assistance of Pakistani ambassador to them are very encouraging.
Said Gul,
Parvez Ahmed,
Executive Director and CEO,
Director and CEO, Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Ltd.
Pak-Qatar General Takaful Ltd.
to underscore the close and cooperative bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar that is based on strong foundations of common faith and culture as well as shared values and aspirations. I am confident that the exemplary relations that exist between our two fraternal countries will further flourish in the forthcoming days.
I
extend my heartiest congratulations to the State of Qatar on this auspicious occasion. Since independence, Dawlat Qatar has made tremendous contributions into many diverse sectors of the international economy. One of the Pakistani recipients of the State’s generous and wise patronage has been Pak-Qatar General Takaful Ltd. Pak-Qatar General Takaful Ltd. is one of the pioneers of General Takaful in Pakistan, established in 2007 and successfully expanding operations since. The Company, through heavy investment in state of the art technology, has striven to offer the most secure, transparent and prompt Takaful services to our customers. By the Grace of the Almighty and the extended support of our sponsors, we are on track to revolutionize the Takaful industry in Pakistan.
I
congratulate the State of Qatar on its 40th year of independence on behalf of Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Ltd. Qatar has made confident progress in its state-building efforts and development over these years, successfully resolving major social and economic tasks, and has shown commitment, sincerity and vision that all nations and business entities should learn from. We are grateful for your support, both monetary and moral, ever since Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Ltd. was established as the pioneer Family Takaful operator in Pakistan. We hope and pray that the State of Qatar and our Company both prosper through the ages, and become shining beacons and standards of excellence.
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05
PakiStaN today
Monday, 19 December, 2011
‘Takaful has immense potential in Pakistan’ ■ SYeD ADnAn HASAn shares his views on the challenges of the Takaful industry in the country
T
he importance of marketing increases when your product is new and unprecedented. Similar is the case with Islamic financial institutions. They are offering a conceptual product, with an ideology behind it. Whenever a financial institution introduces a new product or service, it becomes the responsibility of their marketing department to explain the product to the masses. The marketing of financial products, therefore, becomes challenging because your team has to be well versed in the field of finance as well as in marketing. In the case of Islamic financial products the skill set increases, as it also requires grounding in Shariah principles. It is difficult to find people who possess knowledge in all three fields, which is an essential combination for a successful and articulate marketing strategy. Another challenge is to liaise with ad agencies that have people willing to distinguish between conventional and Islamic financial products. Agencies also have to work with constraints when it comes to Islamic financial institutions: such as not using human faces in any marketing collateral, as it is against Shariah. Agencies fall into trap of ‘Islamicizing’ marketing campaigns to a greater extent than is necessary. It becomes the responsibility of marketing departments to ensure that they are selling products/services, and not Islam itself. islamic versus conventional A stark difference between the marketing of Islamic and conventional fi nancial products is that in the case of conventional products, consumers are not interested in knowing the back-end functionality. However, many Islamic financial institutions’ clients want to know how things work — for example, showing interest in the details of legal contracts involved in financial products. Conventional financial institutions do not have to promote anything beyond their products or services. However in Islamic financial products, the added unique selling point of Shariah compliance needs to be communicated.
marketing efforts Considering the effects of the recession the present situation seems bleak. The first thing that gets affected in an economic recession is marketing. The budget allocated for marketing activities and services is the first to be slashed in the case of any adverse conditions. However, the problem goes deeper. It is not recession that affects marketing activities but the general attitude towards marketing in the insurance industry. Insurance is considered a salesbased industry, as opposed to a marketing based industry, in countries like Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Business strategies of insurance companies include massive sales teams spread nationwide, with a limited role for marketing. Marketing departments have been restricted to the production of brochures and fl iers, with no role in the company’s direction or business strategies. However, a shift has been seen in India, where private companies have taken the lead to convert the industry into a more marketing-driven one. Private companies in India, in order to compete with giant companies like Life Insurance Corporation of India, have initiated a series of aggressive marketing and promotional activities. A similar mentality needs to exist in Pakistan, where the insurance industry heavily relies on sales and completely sidelines marketing activities. This could off er a unique opportunity for Takaful companies. They have the option to take the lead in the industry with aggressive marketing targeted towards product penetration. Currently, the life insurance penetration in Pakistan is 0.3%, leaving a massive untapped market for Takaful companies. marketing strategies With a traditional mind set towards insurance or Takaful, it is not possible to increase penetration without a change in strategy. A field sales force,
even one with few thousand agents, will remain limited, whereas effective marketing strategies have the potential to reach out to millions. Some Takaful companies, such as Pak-Qatar Family and General Takaful, have taken the lead in this paradigm shift ; whereby the companies have developed their marketing and corporate communications departments and populated them with seasoned marketers. There are also efforts being carried out under the umbrella of the Takaful Association of Pakistan to promote Takaful as a brand. Such measures will help promote Islamic financial institutions as separate entities with their own brand identity and niche market. A similar project could be initiated on a global level, where marketing experts from the Takaful industry sit together and devise a plan for future growth and awareness. It could be named the World Takaful Association. Challenges There are quite a few challenges, including poor customer service and bad claim handling experiences. Moreover, many people do not know about the importance of insurance and there is a misconception among many that insurance is haram. However sometimes what is a strength can actually become a weakness, and vice versa. The fact that people are not educated about Takaful means that it has to be branded as an entirely new category. Furthermore, there is still skepticism about the
Pak-Qatar Takaful Group gaining strength
P
AK-QATAR Takaful Group became the first Takaful group in Pakistan when it started operations in 2007.Since then, by the grace of Allah, the Group has gone from strength to strength, with a current credit rating of A- (Positive Outlook) for Family Takaful and BBB+ (Stable Outlook) for General Takaful Companies form JCRvIS Credit rating Co. Ltd..the Group has created a name for not only itself but also for the concept of Takaful as a Shari’ah-compliant risk-mitigation mechanism, an alternative to conventional insurance. The Group is chaired by Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah alThani, a member of Qatar’s royal family, and is sponsored by some of the strongest financial institutions form the State of Qatar, including Qatar Islamic Insurance Company, Qatar International Islamic Bank, Qatar National Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank and Masraf
Al Rayan. Pak-Qatar Group also has Bancassurance alliance with FWU, the German-based provider of Takaful services and their distribution. With the paid-up capital for the Group standing today at more than Rs. 1 Billion, all financial indicators point towards outstanding performances far into the future. The hallmark of the Group’s activities is its heavy investment in technology and the adoption of the latest and most technologically sound investment systems, all of which are geared towards extending unmatchable services to our members. Pak-Qatar Group has initiated Re-Takaful arrangements with Hannover Re, Takaful Re and Munich Re, which allows our members to enjoy the expertise of some of the most progressive financial institutions in the world today. Pak-Qatar Group is also a recipient of several national and international awards for excellence. We continue to de-
velop measures in order to streamline and make transparent all practices so as to continue serving our patrons to the best of our ability. Pak-Qatar Group, by adhering to the best practices as set down in the Islamic Shari’ah and Pakistani Law, is engaged in providing need-based, practical and profitable financial services to its members and participants throughout the nation. We have branches in 24 major cities in Pakistan, and the Group is looking to broaden its outreach in the near future. With more than 1600 employees being constantly trained, guided and inspired towards excellence, the Group is committed to community-development through providing accessible and prudent financial services as well as employment in a way that does not overstep boundaries of professional and ethical conduct, and being in complete accordance with Islamic principles.
authenticity of the industry. Opinions are divided among religious scholars as well. The profound understanding of Takaful requires a serious investment of time and effort. It cannot be explained in just a few words. Target audience In marketing, the target audience is important. The success of every marketing campaign is dependent on whether the target audience was correctly identified and the message was effectively communicated. Unfortunately, from a personal point of view, I think that Islamic banks in general have not done very well in identifying their target audience. Sometimes your target audience may not necessarily be poten-
tial consumers. There is a unique industry around being Shariah compliant. Shariah compliance is a sensitive issue which resonates with 97% of the population, and this can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. It is an advantage if you meet their expectations. Next, we must identify the people who influence their opinions. And finally, develop effective communication materials which can deliver the message. Insurance basics in Pakistan are still not right because of the fatwas which are occasionally published against its practice, which in turn means that confusion still remains. This stems from various reasons: industry nationalization in the 1970s,
Shariah objections, low market capitalization, poor industry reputation due to claims of mishandling, sales fraud and inefficient customer services. A lack of players also gives rise to monopolistic behavior, which is always detrimental to the growth of any industry. We must understand that the Pakistanis are very sensitive about Islam and they generally do not like products or services which run contrary to their beliefs. The banking industry is in fact very much under-developed compared to other countries. Only a handful of the population in Pakistan is banked. The insurance industry has fared even worse and this is contributed to by the faith factor. There is no denying that the two existing conventional financial institutions are not
offering products in compliance with Shariah. Awareness Raising awareness about the benefits of Takaful is a priority. Nothing constructive can be achieved unless people know and understand Takaful. As with anything else, an idea is spread through individual interaction. We need to interact with people on a one to one basis. For this we have in place a well-trained sales force of 800 people. Furthermore, we take every opportunity to conduct seminars and workshops on Takaful and deliver presentations on different platforms nationwide. Conclusion If you really want to increase the market share of insurance or Takaful, then you need spend money on advertising: not only press or electronic, but serious investment in areas such as organizing events on a mega scale across Pakistan.
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
art falls prey to commercialism
PAge 08
All set to launch anti-polio drive Islamabad Staff RepoRt
The Health Department of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), has made comprehensive arrangements to launch a four-day anti-polio drive in the eight union councils from December 19. District Health Officer Dr M Azhar Khan said the Health Department had fromed 87 mobile teams for this special anti-polio drive during which 45,000 children would be administered anti-polio drops. He said the mobile teams would administer anti-polio drops to children. Zonal supervisors and area in-charge have been deputed to monitor the performance of mobile teams. On the special directions of Deputy Commissioner Amer Ali Ahmed, the DHO would also conduct visits to the union councils to personally monitor the performance of the mobile teams and receive reports on daily basis.
15 absconders held
ISLaMaBaD: policemen load motorcycles in their van during a drive against one-wheeling at 7th avenue. STAFF PHoTo
Islamabad Staff RepoRt
HEC and Emerald hold two-day workshop on publishing Islamabad
A
Staff RepoRt
TWO-DAY workshop was jointly organised by the Higher Education Commission’s National Digital Library Programme (NDLP) and Emerald Publishing Group at the HEC Secretariat. Emerald Publishing Group vice President (Middle East, Africa and Turkey) Alastair Cook was the resource person for the workshop while HEC (IT) Director General Anwar Amjad chaired the opening session. Over 60 participants from universi-
ties of Islamabad and Rawalpindi attended the workshop while another 120 from 32 universities took part via video conferencing, says a press release issued here by the HEC. In his talk, Alastair Cook highlighted various aspects of publishing. He provided an insider’s view on what happens at various stages of publishing and what factors authors need to take into account before they submit their article for review. His focus on ‘Publish or Perish’ provided an eye-opener for the audience. He also announced a twomonth free trial for every institution in the country. The event also included awards for institutions in terms of the highest number
of articles published in Emerald journals during 2011 and the highest usage by the institutions. Among the highest articles published during 2011, University of the Punjab, Lahore was on top with 54 authors, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, with 52 was second, while Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) was third with 20 authors. The highest usage awards, during 2011, went to the Higher Education Commission, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, International Islamic University, Bahria University, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Fatima Jinnah
Women University, University of Management and Technology, Air University, LUMS and Islamia University. The second day session was completely conducted via video conference by connecting 24 universities. Cook informed the participants of the usage of Emerald website and how to use it effectively for the scholarly benefit. The NDLP and Emerald were founded in 2006. Currently, 50 institutions are accessing e-journals from Emerald’s platform. Emerald publishes contents in business, management and economics, library and information studies, social sciences, engineering, language and linguistics and transport.
The city police on Sunday claimed to have nabbed 15 absconders involved in the crimes of heinous nature in its special crackdown against outlaws during the last week. Senior Superintendent of Police Muhammad Yousuf Malik had assigned the task to all police officials to ensure arrest of proclaimed offenders and upon his direction the arrests were made, said a police spokesman. Sharing details, the spokesman said that Sabzi Mandi police arrested three proclaimed offenders and two court absconders, Golra police nabbed one proclaimed offender and one court absconder while Industrial Area, Shehzad Town and and Sihala police apprehended one proclaimed offender each. Similarly, two proclaimed offenders were arrested by Shalimar police, one each by AntiCar Lifting Cell and Bhara Kahu police while one court absconder was held by Secretariat police.
SunDAy BAzAAR uPDATE
Prices of onion, tomato and potato witness decrease Islamabad Staff RepoRt
Though the prices of most of vegetables at the city’s Sunday bazaars witnessed mixed trend while the rates of onion, tomato and potato decreased significantly as compared to the prices of last Sunday. The prices of tomato and onion witnessed a decrease of Rs 10 and Rs 11 per kg as compared to those of last week. This week potato was sold for Rs 20 and onion for Rs 31 per kg. Moreover, this week, the price of potato also fell slightly. Potato was sold at Rs 19 against the last week’s price of Rs 20 per kg. This week the rate of green chili witnessed a decrease of Rs 20 per kg. It was sold at Rs 60 per kg against the last week’s rate when it was available for Rs 80 per kg. According to the price
lists, most of other vegetables witnessed increase than the prices of last week in all the three Sunday bazaars of the city. The prices of ladyfinger, gourd, bitter gourd, brinjal, cucumber, cauliflower and pumpkin increased. This week ladyfinger was sold at Rs 80 per kg, gourd at Rs 60 per kg, pumpkin at Rs 40 per kg, brinjal at Rs 24, cucumber at Rs 50, black pepper at Rs 80 per kg. This week the prices of chicken also witnessed an increase of Rs 8 per kg. Chicken was sold at Rs 115 against the previous week’s rate when it was available for Rs 107 per kg. The prices of almost all fruits remained stable as compared to previous week’s rates except prices of apple. This week apple (golden) sold at Rs 140 against the last week’s rate of Rs 130.
this Week
70 Last Week
60
this Week
this Week
20
80
Last Week
Last Week
30
70
ginger
potato
this Week
this Week
140
Last Week
Last Week
Last Week
42
80
100 onion
green chilli
this Week
this Week
115 Last Week
chicken
apple
this Week
60
60
Last Week
Last Week
54
107
orange
this Week
31
60
per dozen
per dozen
50 tomato
banana
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
islamabad 07
‘Bandhan’ highlights stagnant society Islamabad
P
MaHtaB BaSHIR
ARENTS in the conservative society of Pakistan usually are concerned about a right match for their sons and daughters to an extent that they leave no stone unturned getting all the important and also trivial information in search of their offspring. But some youngsters stand against the decision of their parents, saying they should be given the right of freedom to decide for their better half as it is their life and that they are the one who will spend their lives with their spouse to be. With this theme a Urdu stage play ‘Bandhan’ was presented at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) auditorium. Produced by Islamabad Art Production, ‘Bandhan’ was the 7th stage play included in the ‘National Drama Festival 2011’ arranged by the PNCA with the core objective of promotion of theatre art and artists in the country. Written by ZA Zulfi and directed by Tahir Siddique, ‘Bandhan’ highlights the relationship of parents and their kids in modern age where today’s youth is consistently heard saying to their parents:
‘This is not your age’, ‘Those were the old days and now the things have changed drastically’, or ‘They should be given the right to make decision in their lives including marriage’. On the other hand, parents keep on saying whatever they think and decide is for the welfare of their sons and daughters under the light of their experiences in life. Communication gap between parents and children was also presented in a light way. The storyline was very strong and the cast members did full justice to their respective rolls. Batin Faruqi playing a role of father tried to convince her daughter that the boy she intended to wed was not sincere with her and targeting her for the property. Bandhan also highlighted mutual understanding between parent and children’s especially at the time of selection of their life partner. The capacity crowd watched the play and appreciated the script and serious and comedy discourse in the live stage play. Another stage play ‘Saanp’ will be presented at PNCA auditorium at 7:00pm today (Monday), which is a production of JB Production, Peshawar and written and directed by Javed Babar.
QAU admissions: VC, registrar People on streets against gas load are not on same page shedding Islamabad
KaSHIf aBBaSI
Owing to negligence of the high-ups of Quaid-iAzam University, anxiety is mounting among the students seeking admissions to Archeology Department of the varsity for spring session as it has so far failed to announce any clear policy in this regard. This year Archeology Department of Quaidi-Azam University announced admissions for Masters’ programmes for spring session 2012 after removing the bar of specified subjects adopted in bachelor degrees and announced that any graduate could take admission. A senior professor of Archeology Department, wishing not to be named, told Pakistan Today that during the last month, on the request of the Archeology Department, vice Chancellor
Dr Masoom Yasinzai removed the bar of specified subjects and ordered the admission branch to accommodate all eligible students regardless of what subjects they had adopted in their graduation. Upon this, aiming to accommodate all students, the admission branch added additional papers to prospectus rendering all graduates eligible. However, after selling out 412 prospectuses, the admission branch abruptly stopped their further sale, causing serious difficulties for prospective students. A source in the admission branch said that prospectuses with additional papers were stopped on the directions of QAU Registrar Dr Shafeeq-ur-Rehman. The source said that the registrar ordered not to sell prospectuses as permission to remove the bar of subjects was yet to be obtained from the university’s Academic Council.
“Since we have already sold out 412 prospectuses asking all graduates to apply, it will be difficult for us to refuse them,” he said. On the other hand, students are badly suffering owing to the confusion created by the registrar’s office. “During the last week, my cousin got an amended prospectus for taking admission to the Archeology Department, but now the admission is refusing to sell it to me,” said Asif Raza who recently did B.Com and now wants to be an archeologist. He opined that it would be sheer discrimination for the students who could not get prospectuses earlier. When contacted, vC Dr Masoom Yasinzai confirmed the issue, saying he was trying to resolve the matter. “Let me make it clear that we will accommodate all eligible students in the Archeology Department regardless of what subjects they adopted in their graduation,” he said.
Christmas preparations in full swing in twin cities
ISLaMaBaD: people decorate a tree in connection with Christmas. STAFF PHoTo
isLAmAbAd: As few days left in the Christmas, the Christian community in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has started making preparations for celebrating the event with zeal and fervor, while the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has also installed several Christmas trees at different points of the city. The Christian community of the metropolitan looks busy in decorating trees and in exchanging gifts. At the same time, shopkeepers have also established stalls of Christmas cards and other related items in front of their shops to attract maximum customers. Christmas day is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ celebrated on December 25 as a religious and cultural holiday by billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it closes the advent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide. Christmas, a civil holiday in many of the world’s nations, is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians and is an integral part of the holiday season. In Pakistan, including the federal capital, Muslims also express solidarity with the Christians on the occasion. In this regard, the civic body of the city also erects Christmas trees at different points as a number of
employees of the CDA belong to the Christian community. During a survey conducted by Pakistan Today, it was noted that despite alarming inflation, the shopping for Christmas was in full swing as the followers of Christ, wanted the day to be celebrated as a special day. The Islamabad Police have also made special security arrangements for the Christmas and the police officials will also be deployed in front of all major churches of the city. The administration of the churches has started decorating their worship places for the special day. “We will have to clean the church on Christmas day for the sake of our religion and worshippers,” said Qaisar Masih, an administrator in at Fatima Church. A special candle service will also be held at the churches of the twin cities. The old carolers will take their lanterns to walk and sing till late at night and then coming home with cold-nipped faces. In a bid to attract the children and youngsters, the Christmas trees will also be displayed at churches. Talking to Pakistan Today, a local priest of a church said preparations were made to signify the birth of Jesus Christ, adding that the Christmas brought a message of peace and to remain united irrespective of caste, creed, colour or religion. Staff RepoRt
Islamabad Staff RepoRt
Protest demonstrations have become a routine in the twin cities, as people raise their voice against gas load shedding, but the participation of the political leaders in these protests has created serious concerns for the country’s stakeholders. On Sunday, the residents of the capital city once against took to the streets against the gas load shedding, while a leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Mian Muhammad Aslam, also joined the protestors to denounce the government for its pathetic response. The protesters, who were gathered at Sector G/7, chanted slogans against the rulers and THE SNGPL management, as they demanded an immediate action to resolve the problem being faced by the people. It is worth recalling that the participation of the political leaders in protest against power outages several months ago caused huge losses to the WAPDA as protestors with the connivance of politicians burnt many offices of the WAPDA in different cities. Speaking on the occasion, the JI leader said the government had failed to provide basic facilities to the masses and it should accept its failure. He said the people were facing a plethora of problems for last many days due to gas load shedding. “The government should fulfill its responsibilities or resign at once,” he added. The protestors alleged that the government was providing gas to the posh sectors but adopted discriminatory attitude towards the middle-class people of the city. They warned the government authorities to stage a grand protest within few days against the gas load-shedding in case the government failed to overcome the shortage of gas.
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Art falls prey to commercialism
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Majority cannot afford work of renowned artists due to exorbitant prices Islamabad
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T
MaHtaB BaSHIR
HE owners of art gallery in the federal capital opine that they are promoting the culture displaying diverse art pieces at their places, the doors of which are open for the budding artists who want to exhibit their work. However, majority of art galleries in Islamabad fail to prove their claims, as it is observed the established veteran artists’ work repeatedly occupies the walls of these art venues. While people have become materialistic so are the artists and the art houses owners - hence the contemporary art has become a victim of commercialisation as over 15 art galleries, working according their owners ‘for the sake of promotion of art and artists’, are actually promoting few of established personalities. Furthermore, every gallery has its own a lobby, comprising veteran and fresh artists. Therefore, one has no iota of doubt that these galleries are promoting and displaying the artwork on regular basis of those artists, who are in demand and whose work sells like hot cake, which ultimately exposes the galleries owners’ manifesto of being an advocate of new artists. A recently example was witnessed when Karachi-based artists - AS Rind and Mashkoor Raza - were on display at various art galleries so frequently that the young artists have to left with no option but to think about their future. Another point to note that the galleries - both private and government-run - are offering art pieces at exorbitant prices, which is proving a hindrance in ensuring patronage of art and culture. As many as 15 known private art galleries exist in various posh sectors of the capital city, while 14 spacious galleries are available for display of the selected paintings and other art work of national and international repute, but the price of a single art piece is unfortunately higher than the monthly salary of many people. This scribe when contacted a number of these gallery owners, they were unanimous in saying that different people bought art pieces for different reasons. “Collectors hoard art as a passion, multinationals buy and display works of established artists to assert distinction, some buy to beautify their homes, some for investment and others to merely demonstrate their affordability. By and large, to the common man, buying artwork is a speculation, but getting the same at an affordable price is a dream. While affordability in art is notional to many, to the common man of the middle-income group it is always with respect to his purse,” they said. What drives people to buy art? What kind of art appeals to them? And above all can art proper be acquired at an affordable price? These are the questions for which one needs to probe gallery owners, art collectors and artists. The gallery owners and artists say that they will never be able to sell works for less than Rs 20,000. He would have to cut down on the quality and produce more works if he wanted to sell for less,” said an artist. He also feels that he cannot cut his cost as it will hit the galleries that support him. According to the artist, who sells his works to galleries, people have become more aware of art today, but the spirit to go to galleries is still not awakened. And only prints of established artists can be available for an affordable price. Nageen Hyat, who owns ‘Nomad Gallery’ in Sector F-6, opined that galleries too could participate in activities aimed at common people. She feels that if one has an eye for good art one might pick up something from an upcoming artist and if that turns out to be a great piece of art in future, in case he is lucky. But very rarely young artists hold on in the market. “I myself go to other art galleries to art promotion and if I like any piece, I definitely put my hand on it, as I can not resist good work,” Nageen said. When asked if an art lover in Nomad have a crush to get some art piece, despite the fact that
his or her wallet does not allow him or her, how would she help the art lover, she replied Nomad had no specific targeted clients as it was open for people belonging to all segment of society. “Nomad is not an art gallery but a culture centre, that offers 50 percent discount at times to art lovers and if he/she could not afford the price, we give art lovers an incentive to pay in instalments in two to three months,” she said. But galleries often bank on multinational companies and architects for their sales and hardly cater to the middle-income group. How frequently do we see a common man stroll into a gallery looking for a nice piece of art to buy? Another art gallery owner in F-7 said her gallery had lot of works ranging at affordable prices but not many people come to buy. “I don’t know why galleries put people off? It is a notion that our prices are costly, but there should be some way of getting rid of this notion,’’ she noted. Talking to this scribe, the other gallery owners in F-6, F-7, F-8, G-10, and F-10 said people had to be convinced that what they keep was of a higher quality and of a higher value, that they were there permanently, had to spend on the establishment, staff and overheads and earn only through commissions. “Galleries are not making a lot of money with a booming business, we are selling art for the love of it and not as a business,” they said. They feel disturbed by the fact that artists move from gallery to gallery and price their works differently. “Basically for the artist whether he sells at home or in a gallery, the market value has to be one, isn’t it?” They ask. “Perhaps the galleries could get together and break the barrier of erratic pricing”, they add. However, the gallery owners admit that buying art is an investment today. Few artists feel that low pricing might help the common man to learn something of art. “But one must see that quality is maintained,” says a local artist. Ali Shani, an old art collector, believes that the gap between contemporary art and the common man can be bridged if the common man takes more interest in learning about art, its manifestations, dimensions and objectives. “Art has travelled a long way and man has to meet it in its present condition. Art cannot come to the common man but the common man has to go to it without bias and he will find newer ways of looking at life. Collecting art can be very profitable and enjoyable. It is one of the few areas where you can have your proverbial cake and eat it too. Anyone can become a successful art collector. All it takes is to learn a few ground rules, most of which are common sense,” he said. “And as for affordability, if only artists decide to bring down their prices it will be a utopian world for the art buyer,” he added. Kamran, another art lover, said for the common man buying a piece of art was a dream. “It is not that Pakistan had not inherited a rich cul-
AkCEnT LivE in iSLAMABAD
tural past but the excellence has continued to diminish from the gamut and all forms of art and culture have capitulated rather unceremoniously to mediocrity over the decades. There has been a sheer dearth of state patronage in this regard and public followed suit in recognising art forms as a luxury and not a need,” he maintained. The galleries owners say when a new artist emerges, his work is carefully scrutinised for technical ability, the presentation, and the ability to sell himself. As soon as four or five of the paintings have been sold, the artist is bought out immediately. “If you keep the work for a while, you can net a hefty profit, particularly if the artist has marketed to the right people and managed to go abroad.” According to Pakistan Today’s findings, observing this lucrative business, many multinational companies have invested heavily in the local art sector, and have agents scouring the market for cheap art to earn a good profit. Whenever there is an auction or sale in the name of charity, get large cheques in exchange for helping put the red dots over the work. It is a good little spot to put your money in. There is no tax on it, so it is untraceable. The art makes the office walls colourful and inspiring, and is a good profit to boot. Big companies are often seen buying a good amount of art for their annual calendars. But the field of art has greater problems than a high price. The market is full of fakes. Gulgee and the Ali Imam’s and other the works of other great artists are being copied and sold. A number of art galleries in Islamabad are owned by collectors or other middlemen, although the identity of these cheaters and their employers is a closely guarded secret. With the absence of an art loss register or a gallery registration system, tracking the original is difficult. Paintings are swiped away right under the noses of artists and buyers. Art in federal capital has evolved past the modern into post-modern forms. Gone are the days when art was used merely as a medium for free abstract expression of ideas in tangible form. In today’s art, the heavy influence sociopolitical connotations are visible. The art lovers demanded there is a great need for more massive permanent art galleries which catalogue the great art that this nation has been producing. A registration of the artists or their work would greatly help in spotting fakes and put an end to art piracy. There is also a need for the general public to educate themselves and take the hideous contorted metal pipe installations off our major roads and put up some real art. For some, this explosion of art is the golden egg they had been waiting for so long. With art earning Pakistan some much needed foreign exchange as an unknown export of great value, we need to be sure as to where this path may lead us so we can plan a better future for all concerned.
An iLLuSTRATiOn OF PAkiSTAn
CAPOEiRA iSLTOwn
CollegeS / unIverSITIeS InTernATIonAl ISlAMIC unIverSITY 9260765 bAHrIA unIverSITY 9260002 nuMl 9257677 QuAID-e-AzAM unIverSITY 90642098 ArID AgrICulTure unIverSITY 9290151 FJwu 9273235 rIPHA InTernATIonAl unIverSITY 111510510 nCA rAwAlPInDI 5770423 PunJAb lAw College 4421347
DATe: TueSDAY DeC 27, 2011 6:00 PM venue: ISlAMAbAD
DATe: nov 29 - DeC 25, 2011 venue: ISlAMAbAD
The band is set to visit Pakistan once again, this time to It's capital. Performing smashing hits like "That's My name", "My Passion", "Stay with Me" & the new track " Feelings on Fire " they are sure to set the stage ablaze and make you sway.
Do you have a passion for photography? Are you the one whose click could change how we see things? what about using your passion for a greater cause? If YeS is the answer here’s your chance!
DATe AnD TIMe: everY FrIDAY 6:30-7:30PM venue: KHAAS ArT gAllerY ISlAMAbAD Capoeira is an Afro-brazilian martial art that combines elements of dancing, ritual combat & music in a unique synthesis of self defense and rhythm.
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
Civil society terms memogate ‘an attempt to thwart democracy’ Islamabad Staff RepoRt
Civil society representatives on Sunday expressed their deep concerns over the ongoing political situation in the country, saying the “frivolously developed” memogate scandal had the potential of subverting the democratically-elected parliament. Members of various nongovernmental organisations, labour unions, academia, women’s rights groups and journalists upheld the idea of protecting democracy from all conspiracies. “It is time that all conspirators against democracy and the sovereignty of the people are called to account. Sovereignty belongs to the people who have agreed to exercise it through their representatives in a federal, parliamentary, and democratic system. Any attempt at arbitrarily altering this arrangement is tantamount to an attack on the sovereignty of the people,” they said in a statement. They said the judiciary’s role was to protect the citizens’ rights from arbitrary abuse of executive power, rather than becoming a source of arbitrary executive power. “various institutions of the state are supposed to function within their defined constitutional parameters and to complement each other, but they seem to be working at beyond their scope,” they added. They said the role of political parties and leaders was to represent their constituencies’ interests and arrive at negotiated agreements in political forums. They said the role of security forces was to serve under constitutional arrangements under the command of the executive, and not to define what is or what is not in national interests. About the role of media, they said it should help citizens hold powerful interests groups within and outside the state to promote their legitimate interests and hold violators of people’s rights accountable, and not to act as an unaccountable interest group. They asked the Pakistani people to stand united and firm in support of democracy and to resist all attempts aimed at its subversion.
News 09
Swati’s resignation opens field for ANP g
JuI-F sources claim Azam Swati would have lost 2012 Senate election due to weak party position Islamabad
B
taHIR NIaZ
EING the single largest party in KhyberPakhtunkhwa (KP), Awami National Party (ANP) is likely to win the coming election for the Senate seat vacated by Azam Khan Swati having 48 members in a house of 124 seats. Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) sources believe Swati resigned from his Senate seat and party membership upon the assessment that we would lose the next Senate election. Three JUI-F senators, including Maulana Gul Naseeb, Talha Mahmood and Azam Khan Swati were to retire
in March 2012 but the latter resigned before completing his term. According to provincial assembly statistics, which is the Electoral College for the election, the ruling coalition comprises ANP, PPP and independents having 48, 30 and 2 seats respectively. On the other hand, the opposition has 44 seats in the House. The JUI-F which lost the seat as a result of Swati’s resignation is no more in a position to retain it as it has 15 seats against 48 ANP seats. All provincial assembly members will votes for one seat and the successful candidate will need 63 votes. Upon contact, KP Senior Minister Bashir Bilour said he was hopeful he would win the seat but the ANP had not confirmed its candidate. He said a party meeting to discuss the nomination
had not been held. He said the impression that he and his brothers were mulling joining the PML-N was false. The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced the polls for the Senate seat vacated by Swati will be held at the KP Assembly Building in Peshawar on January 4 where Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) will elect to one member from the province against the seat reserved for Technocrats and Ulema, which had fallen vacant with effect from 9 December after Swati’s resignation. Intending candidates may submit their nomination papers on December 20 and December 21. Moreover, December 29 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature. JUI-F sources the low strength of the JUI-F in the KP assembly had led to Swati’s
resignation. They said the party leadership was likely to nominate Maulana Gul Naseeb as its candidate for the next term. “Swati had already resigned… Talha Mahmood will be dropped against Maulana Gul Naseeb,” a party source said. Reports suggest Talha Mahmood is also set to quit JUI-F and joint another political party to become candidate in the next general elections. Three JUI-F’s senators from Balochistan, including Dr Ismail Buledi, Rehmatullah Kakar and Sabina Rauf are also retiring on March 12, 2012 and the party is hopeful of retaining two seats from the province. In Balochistan, JUI-F has 10 seats. Rehmatullah Kakar is likely to be dropped in the next senate elections.
11 killed in orakzai operation pEsHAwAR: At least 11 alleged militants were killed when the security forces continued action at scattered areas of Upper Orakzai on a third consecutive day on Sunday. Officials informed several militant hideouts at Sama Mamoozai in Jawakai and its surrounding areas were targeted with jet fighters. Several hideouts were razed to the grounds while officials quoted informers claimed 11 militants were killed. Officials said action against militants was underway in Upper Orakzai and its adjacent areas of Central Kurram Agency. During the last three days over 45 alleged militants were killed and several dins were demolished. The security forces launched military action against the militants after an attack against the contingents. One soldier was killed and 22 other injured in the first days attack while three security personnel including an officer were killed in a land mine explosion on the second day clashes at Central Kurram Agency. STAFF RePoRT
‘Military presenting its stance in SC unprecedented’ wAsHinGTOn: Pakistan Muslim LeagueQuaid (PML-Q) Senator SM Zafar on Sunday said the fact that the military leadership had appeared in the Supreme Court (SC) and presented its stance in the memogate case was unprecedented in the history of the country. During an interview with US media, Zafar said, “The step reflected on the seriousness of the matter.” He also said the army and ISI had responded through a proper channel and had ensured the respect of SC orders. He said they had written as much as they knew and had expressed it was a matter of serious concern for them. oNLINe
ISLaMaBaD: federal Interior Minister Senator Rehman Malik looking at weapons at an exhibition at the pakistan-China friendship Centre. oNLINe
Taliban ready to open political office in Islamic country KabUl aGeNCIeS
In a step towards holding face-to-face peace talks with Afghanistan, the Taliban are willing to open an office in an Islamic country, a member of the Afghan government’s team of negotiators with the group said on Sunday. After a series of failed attempts at talks by Afghans and their Western allies, in November Afghan President Hamid Karzai ruled out negotiations with the Taliban until the insurgent group had an address at which he could contact them. “What we heard from senior Taliban commanders and their relatives is they agreed on a political office,” Arsala Rahmani, a senior member of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council told Reuters on Sunday. “It would be better to establish one inside Afghanistan if the situation allows.” “We agree and have always
called for a political address for the Taliban either in Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia or any Islamic countries and it is in our interest,” Rahmani said. Last week, Afghanistan recalled its ambassador to Qatar hours after an Indian newspaper reported that arrangements had been put in place for a Taliban office in the Gulf state. The report caused worry in Kabul that the Afghan government would be excluded from the peace process were another country used as base for talks. The United States wants to seek a political settlement to an expensive, decade-long war, but Afghan officials insist that they must lead the process. “Establishment of a political address of an office for the Taliban is very crucial and will have a great impact on the peace process,” Rahmani said. “Since the Taliban have no address, it is important to create a political address where we could talk about peace agendas face to face,” he
added. The Taliban have not commented on the possibility of their opening an office. The High Peace Council was established by President Hamid Karzai in 2010 to build contacts with the Taliban, and ultimately to find a political settlement to the war. The Taliban have rejected any peace deal and in September a Taliban suicide bomber killed Burhanuddin Rabbani, head of the government peace council. Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of supporting the Taliban, and has said that the Rabbani’s killer was sent from the Pakistani city of Quetta. Karzai has said that “until we have an address for the Taliban” he would talk only to Pakistan. Analysts say Pakistan, worried about growing influence of old rival Indian in Afghanistan, sees the Taliban as its best tool to try to secure a pro-Pakistani government in Kabul after foreign forces withdraw.
Zardari seemed worried before departure: Aitzaz laHoRe oNLINe
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Aitzaz Ahsan on Sunday said President Asif Ali Zardari seemed worried when he telephoned him before leaving for Dubai. Talking to a private news television, he said that resignations from the President and Prime Minister cannot be taken by putting pistol on their heads. He said if resignations were to be sought, there was a constitutional way to do so. He said the Federation, Pakistan Army and DG ISI had put forward contradictory statements in memogate case. He said the government was not threatened by the memogate case. Aitzaz said all three, the apex judiciary, Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan did not want another military coup in the country and so a third force could not come into power in Pakistan today. He also expressed hope that Rahman Malik will arrest the murderers of Benazir Bhutto.
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10 News
Monday, 19 December, 2011
Severing diplomatic ties can undermine national interest, says Hina Khar laHoRe app
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said on Sunday that breaking off diplomatic ties with other countries was not in the national interest asserting that Pakistan wanted amicable relations with all countries. She was talking to journalists at the prize distribution ceremony of the 27th National Women Hockey Championship at the National Hockey Stadium. Hina said that parliament would take decisions on ties with the US in the larger interest of the country. About the prevailing political situation in the country, the FM said that the country needed to forge the same kind of harmony as it had shown in reaction against the NATO attack. She said that the country was facing multiple challenges at present, adding that national unity was needed on the memo issue rather than playing dirty politics. “We must dispel the impression that an issue created on whims of an unreliable individual can force us to demand constitution of a national commission or a Supreme Court bench”, Hina said. The FM regretted the fact that journalists had been highlighting a non-issue in wake of many challenges faced by the country. She said that the nation must realise that undemocratic steps by previous regimes did not benefit the country. Regarding President Asif Ali Zardari’s health and return, the FM said that the president’s health had improved and he would return home before former PM and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom anniversary on December 27. Earlier, Hina announced a grant of Rs 50 million on behalf of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and gave away prizes among successful teams of the hockey championship.
Five killed in gas cylinder explosion FaIsalabad oNLINe
Five people, including two children, were killed and 15 others injured when a gas cylinder exploded in a passenger van on Sunday. According to media reports, the incident took place near Khurrianwala when a gas cylinder in a passenger van, which was going to Lahore from Faisalabad, exploded. Rescue teams reached the spot and rushed the injured to Allied Hospital where doctors said that condition of eight injured was critical.
peSHaWaR: Jamaat-e-Islami chief Munawar Hasan addressing a public meeting at Ring Road on Sunday. INP
End US friendship to restore peace: JI chief g
Munawar Hassan claims uS behind all terrorist attacks in Pakistan PesHaWaR
R
Staff RepoRt
EAFFIRMING the Jamaat-i-Islami’s (JI) stance on the early ouster of the United States (US) from Afghanistan, JI chief Munawar Hassan said, “the presence of US troops in Afghanistan is the main reason behind ongoing crises, especially terrorist acts. Unless we end our friendship with the US, peace will not return.” Addressing the Jalsa-i-Inqilaab in Peshawar on Sunday, Munawar
said, “The US has its eye on gas and natural resources in Central Asian region and was patronizing terrorism and violence to fulfill its designs.” He said the government should substitute its relation with the US with China, whom would prove a trustworthy friend. Munawar claimed the US and NATO were not only behind the Salala attack but each and every terrorism incident in Pakistan, including the Mehran Base attack in Karachi and the attack on GHQ Rawalpindi. He said the Chinese and Iran can prove fruitful substitutes for the US. He said a link-up with China would secure Paksitan’s defense and serve as a
counter balance to Indian designs in the region. He said trade links with Iran could help address the energy needs of Pakistan and serve as trade links. He endorsed the decision to halt supplies to NATO troops in Afghanistan. He said the JI would enter a new electoral alliance but did not comment further on whom the alliance would be with. He criticized the PPP-led coalition government for failing to manage the country and said the PPP was trying to manage its failure under the garb of “Asif Ali Zardari’s illness.” Without naming of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Jamaat Islami chief said that PPP leaders must not hand over party leadership to children.
SWAT DIARY
Mingora Central Bridge in a shambles HaRoon sIRaj In the mountainous north, the valley of Swat is known as Switzerland of Asia and one of the most beautiful and historically interesting valleys of Pakistan. In Swat, one witnesses colour, roses, picturesque hillsides, which are rich in history, and a spot, which is glorious for Pakistani traditions of love, peace and hospitality. Once this paradise on earth fell dark and turned into hell and yet another disaster, flood, brought chaos back to the valley last year in July. It rained dogs and cats for several days and swathes of lands were flooded, forcing many people to flee to safer places on higher ground damaging the infrastructure of the area and 110 connecting bridges were washed away in the district cutting road links with rest of the country. Mingora Central GT Road Bridge was also washed away during the catastrophic flood last year, which left the city disconnected from rest of the country .Knowing
the importance of it, the army laid an emergency steel bridge and took six months to construct it, which continues to deteriorate due to heavy traffic. It allows motorists to pass through from one way only causing severe miseries to the people, who start pouring in from outside the city and experience high traffic jam, which wastes the time of the people. This shows the apathy of the corrupt and incompetent regime, which did not pay heed to this important issue and other problems of the masses in one and a half year. MNAs or MPAs are busy in looting the government exchequer and living a luxurious life with their families by settling them at Islamabad and Peshawar. The steel bridge laid by the army caused a lot of injuries and ailing people are also not allowed to travel on this bridge. On being contacted, Swat DCO Kamran Khan said that the bridge was under domain of the National Highway Authority (NHA). Neither any NHA engineer visited Swat to observe the condition of the bridge nor the department has any pro-
gramme to re-build it again. The masses ask the provincial government and elected MNAs and MPAs of Swat that where they used the dollars meant for rehabilitation of
Swat .They demanded the provincial government take immediate steps for reconstruction of Mingora Central Bridge in order to provide relief to the masses.
FGA demands end to military operation in FATA Islamabad oNLINe
A representative jirga of Tribal Agencies, the FATA Grand Alliance, on Sunday demanded an end to the military operation in the Tribal Areas besides initiating a peace process through dialogue to restore normalcy in the affected areas. The FGA meeting was held under chairmanship of MNA Hameedullah Jan Afridi from Khyber Agency. Representatives of students, teachers, lawyers, businessmen and others attended the meeting. The participants of FGA unanimously passed resolutions for giving FATA status of a separate province and demanded that immediate action should be taken to resolve the grievances of the Tribal Areas. The jirga members gave suggestions to make a forum of FGA to take up issues of the Tribal Areas with the agencies concerned to resolve the grievances of tribesmen. The participants representing different Tribal Agencies gave their suggestions. Taking to journalists, Hameed said that all segments of society belonging to FATA gathered at the platform of FDA and raised their voice for peace and stability in their respective areas where routine life was paralysed due to military operation and the War Against Terror. He said that it is very unfortunate that innocent people are becoming victims of the operation and a large number of citizens of FATA had died and injured in attacks whereas their families were not given any financial assistance until now. The MNA said that people of FATA were badly frustrated after being deprived of their basic rights and struggling a lot to get necessities of life. He said that the FATA Grand Alliance would be made an effective platform to divert the attention of quarters concerned towards the issues of the Tribal Areas. The representatives of the alliance gave their suggestions and said that a comprehensive strategy would be evolved with mutual consultation to fulfill the demands of inhabitants of the Tribal Areas. It was also decided to organise regular meetings of the FDA.
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
Editor’s mail 11
Is PTI a league of extraordinary men? What is PTI? A political party or a pressure group? Is it really a political party that has emerged as a third option in a political scenario? Or is it something else which we are unable to see or figure out in our desperation of trying something new? Taking same people and forming a new party; is this change we require or we all are looking for? I was wondering what Mr Khan was doing in the past 15 years as he was unable to bring forth not even a single person from his party as a vice-chairman. And how easily he
trashed Omer Serfraz Cheema and replaced him with Shafaqt Mehmood. He has claimed several times that the PTI will be a party of new and fresh people, but today he has to rely on the same people. What is new in PTI and what change will it bring? Who are the real party members? Majority of them are ex-PPP, PML(Q), PML(N), APML and all are tried and tested in their respected parties. How will PTI challenge “status quo” with people who by and large are responsible for it?
Students and discipline What is new? Nonetheless, the technique used for party campaign was new and fresh without a doubt; a choreographed jalsa was a new thing, never done before. Using social media as an effective tool for the party election campaign was also an innovative idea. But are all these things sufficient to overcome the problems and to resolve the issues? I fail to understand what change this “new political party” of leftovers will bring, and why people are
ready to support all the tested people in a new party, under the umbrella of change. Strange, people are ready to give a chance to the same people but in a new party. Are we playing party game or anyone among us has serious concerns about Pakistan? I believe now the parties, from where the entire stampede is coming, will definitely be left with clean and competent members, as PTI is sucking all the opportunists into its fold. MARYAM KHAN Lahore
A blot of shame We Pakistanis live in a confused society. We should die with shame everyday; but we wake up alive the next morning, as ignorant as we slept. We never grow a new seed; instead we progress upon our so-called “westernisation” that is etched in our confused minds, and sadly limited to only our social values. Who is to be blamed for all this? The only answer is: it’s us, but we blame the “people”. Pakistan would have no problems except the ones we brought upon ourselves. Surprisingly, we have around 132 universities and still haven’t come up with any solution to any of the problems that we face, be it politics, energy or medicine. We have coal mines, rivers, solar exposure; but still we complain about being restricted on resources. What else do we complain about? Oh yes! Oil? Our government sells out the oil resources in Balochistan to foreign companies which are still untapped. Our so-called politicians whose job is to provide stability are not in harmony with their oaths. Their promises of playing a fair game are like a deck of cards without aces. So, what should we do? We have youth and freedom of speech. The solutions cannot be beyond our reach. GUL-I-HINA SHAHZAD LUMS, Lahore
A matter of life and death The daily Pakistan Today of Sunday, 18 December, 2011 has reported that America is putting great pressure on Pakistan to abandon the Iran gas pipeline project. In this regard, all and sundry (civil society, lawyers, all parliamentarians, students, labour and middle class) are requested to stand behind the government to ensure that American designs are not successful, to deprive Pakistan from meeting it’s legitimate energy requirements from Iran. Remember, for Pakistan it’s a matter of life and death. SYED NAYYAR UDDIN AHMAD Lahore
Discipline is important for the progress of society and the development of one’s personality. It is all the more important for the students. Since student life is a period of learning and grooming, a student needs to be sincere, dedicated, firm and focused to his goals. Discipline plays significant role in shaping his personality and moulding his character. Students are the future of the country. It is they who have to take the responsibility of the country. They should be healthy and fit. Physical education is as important for students as to be studious and sincere at studies. Discipline demands self-control and dedication. One who cannot control himself cannot control others. He has to dedicate his individuality in the larger interest of society. Discipline is a virtue and it cannot be developed overnight. It takes time and requires patience. History’s great men could make their marks on the world only by following their goals with all the earnestness and sincerity. So, we should try to be disciplined from an early stage of life. Parents, teachers and elders have significant roles to play. S SHOAIB RIZVI Kandiaro, Sindh
Do it yourself
on same page? It came as a shock when Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that after James Logan Jones’ affidavit, the Memogate had lost its importance. He also said that there was no rift between the government and the army. If there is no rift and both are on the same page, then why the army responded in the Supreme Court that it wanted investigation of the issue whereas the
we are stones Strange are the people and stranger are their hopes. Unfinished are our expectations. An old man, grief-stricken, mourns the death of his jobless son, in a tormented song of loss, “Oh Zardari, where are you?” The young man Raja Rind (his name means king) set himself ablaze on 24 Oct, killing himself in front of parliament lodges. He was unemployed, wished to get a job, told his father that the MNA of his area and Zardari would get him a job. He waited and waited, though fruitless it was, till in despair he turned his face on this
government is not interested in the same. It’s only logical that if anyone has done wrong, he is not likely to want an investigation. In the Memogate issue it will be appreciated if the government respects the court’s decision. MUBASHIR MAHMOOD Karachi
world and on the people. He understood but his father did not. He cried, “Oh Zadari, where are you?” Raja died the day his wife gave birth to a son. In Tunis, such a case led to people’s protest and the government was overthrown. But those were people and we stones. We are unmoved. I just pray that his son has a better life. UMAR KHAN DAWAR Lahore
I want to draw your attention towards the apathy of Health Department towards pharmacists
working in Health Department, Punjab. I am working as Chief Pharmacist at Children Hospital, Lahore. I joined Health Department, Punjab in BS-17 in 1981. After a lapse of 30 years, I am still working in the same grade 17. I have completed my character role and submitted to quarters concerned. There are hundreds of pharmacists in the same conditions like me. May I dare appeal worthy Chief Minister and Chief Justice of Lahore High Court to take immediate notice of this inordinate delay in the promotion of pharmacists which is a sheer injustice? MUHAMMAD ISMAIL Lahore
sensitive towards national security. While the civilians distrust the military, accusing it for launching conspiracies against the democratically-elected governments. Both have reasons to support their respective arguments. If we analyse the four military coups, the pattern of a charge sheet against every civilian government, one way or the other, remained the same. Civilians were accused of bad governance, gross economic and financial mismanagement and possible clash among the three pillars of the state (executive, legislator and judiciary), and most of the time the argument proved true. The political and civilian governments had lot of ills and drawbacks, which discredited them within and outside the country. It was believed that the civilians could not provide competent leadership from top to bottom. Political interference, favouritism and nepotism devastated the very foundations of the national institutions. Heads of various political parties tried to run their parties in a dictatorial manner. They established family hold not only on the political parties but on the respective governments as well. Majority of the political leaders considered political party as a private limited company. They distributed important political and government posi-
tions among their family members, close relatives and friends. The attitude created a sense of disappointment and deprivation among the party members including workers, resulting in disintegration and weakening of the party. The tug of war between the government and opposition led to political chaos in the country. The political leadership instead of focusing on national issues launched criticism on each others’ personal lives and families, polluting the whole democratic system. But do these flaws in the political parties and their leadership provide a justification for military marching into power corridors? No sir, not at all. Military interventions are not the solution to any of our issues; rather whenever it came to power it further complicated the situation. The military has a role in the constitution and it should restrict itself to that. We have a very bad experience of military role in the past. A decade back General Musharraf launched coup against an elected government promising genuine democracy, just and fair accountability, economic reforms and protecting national integrity, sovereignty and security. However, he could not achieve anything except internal unrest, political deals, disintegration and
Sheer injustice
Memogate – this riddle is now being discussed day in and day out in the media without appreciating the request through it to control our army from interference in the democratic system despite the fact that it has brought the national economy on the edge of precipice about to fall into the abyss. This request has already been fulfilled by Nato within a few days. If at all there was such a threat due to the obvious failures of the corruption-prone parliamentary system, which has miserably failed during the past six decades, then instead of seeking foreign help to rectify, why don’t the politicians themselves rectify the same by holding immediate election through Art 2A of the Constitution before any leader like Imran Khan or the military chief Kayani does this, without bypassing the Constitution in any way, thus outclassing the corrupt system for good. After all, this offers a corruption-free Presidential System somewhat similar to that in the US, thus satisfying the founding father’s firm resolve in the election promises based on the very justification for creating Pakistan itself. MOHSIN RIZVI Lahore send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan Fax: +92-42-36298302 E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters may be edited for length and clarity. It would be appreciated if letters were addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively.
Condi’s revelation
by Waheed Hussain
F
ormer US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in her new book “No Higher Honor” has revealed the details of a deal between former Prime Minister of Pakistan Motarma Benazir Bhutto and former President of Pakistan General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. It isn’t a breaking news for most of us in Pakistan. Majority here knows who played the middleman role in bringing BB-Mush into a deal. The whispers of an agreement between the two moderates, as the mediator (US) called them, were already there in the political and media circles of the country during 2007. The deal under the umbrella of controversial and notorious NRO was an open secret. So was the US’ role in the whole negotiations. But
at least the Condi’s book has confirmed the deal and given authenticity to an already known fact which was no secret. Her book provides full details as to how she and other senior US officials were involved in the process of negotiations. The basic details of discussions between the late BB and Musharraf could be traced in the Condi’s book. The important aspect of the book is the US involvement in our internal matters. Please rest assured that the US does not have any passionate love for Pakistan or for its people to have democracy in the country. It has and continues to back any form of government, either dictatorial or democratic, in Islamabad as long as its interests are served. After all, General Zia was US’ blue eyed boy and so was General Musharraf till the time they became irrelevant to Washington. Yes, they do interfere in our domestic as well as foreign policy issues, but only when we invite them to do so. The main reason for sending invitation to the US for interference, unfortunately, was our fragile political system, disrespect for rule of law and constitution, and struggle between politicians and establishment for capturing power. People in the khakis believed civilians are incompetent, corrupt and totally in-
drones from the US. He agreed to every US demand, documented or otherwise, putting the country’s sovereignty at stake. The present American aggression against Pakistan is due to Musharraf’s bad policies. This makes it clear that the military should not violate the constitution and should have zero role in country’s politics. This is the only way it can guard the country’s borders as well as win the love and respect of the nation. Now, the traditional struggle between the civilians and the military has forced them to seek help and legitimacy from Washington. The civilians fear of being removed from government without completing constitutional tenure, while the military for getting endorsement to legitimising its unconstitutional take over. This once again makes clear that the basic problem of US’ interference in our country lies with us. As a mature nation, we should stop blaming Americans for every ill that we have. We should learn from our past mistakes and set our own house in order. Otherwise, we may have many Condis and countless deals in future too. The writer hosts a primetime TV talk show. He can be contacted via email: waheed.h35@gmail.com
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12 Comment A flawed, immoral war The uS moves out
T
hough history is going to debate endlessly the US invasion of Iraq, certain verdicts are already being pronounced, none of them charitable to the administration that started a war that claimed more than 150,000 lives. Even seen through the rational, cold prism of selfinterest of the Americans, it has been a disaster. A costly war, both in human and financial terms. To the US alone, the eight-and-a-half year war has cost a direct economic cost of $845 billion but its total economic cost is pegged by economists at around $3 trillion. Weapons of mass destruction, one of the major premises of the war, weren’t found anywhere. Al-Qaeda, the shadowy network that served as the bogeyman that the Bush administration used to justify everything, now has a foothold in the country, something that would have been unlikely in Saddam Hussein’s time. The US leave behind exactly the sort of cesspool of violence that breeds terror which they had incorrectly painted out a Baathist Iraq to be. Saddam Hussein was no angel. And the people of Iraq deserved better than a cruel, totalitarian dictator. But his similarity with, say, Gaddafi, ended at despotism. He managed to build up a middle-class and spent heavily on infrastructure and education. He managed to keep the country’s considerable sectarian tensions tightly coiled up. If a regime’s tyranny on its own people was ever a justification for war, then there were far more despotic regimes in the world that can be higher on the list of priorities, some of them that do, in fact, export terror. The US frets about Iran now. The latter had a counterweight in Saddam’s Iraq. The US is the most powerful military force that human history has seen. Any point in the entire globe is in its actionable reach. It is also – despite the occasional economic turmoil - an incredibly rich country, leading the world in scientific research and the ensuing wealth creation. It has managed to absorb even a colossal mistake like the Iraq war. A word of caution to those from within Pakistan who harbour imperial ambitions.
out of jail Silence before the storm?
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n incarceration ends and with it, brings tension to the city of Karachi. The MQM(H) chief Afaq Ahmed was finally released on Saturday after seven years in jail. He had been released earlier but was detained under a maintenance of public order law. The Sindh High Court ruled the leader’s detention under the aforementioned ordered as unlawful and ordered his immediate release. If the current ethnic violence in Karachi is a throwback to the 80’s, many are fearing the city has to brace itself for a reprisal of the violence of the 90’s. Infighting within factions of the MQM had all but burnt the city down in that hapless decade. Most of the violence fizzled out after an operation by second BB government. Things changed when one of the factions found favour with the Musharraf regime and the other was all but decimated. The court’s judgment is what it is. This is a civilised country and there is no provision for unlawful incarceration beyond a certain period of time regardless of possible concerns about law and order situations. It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to ensure the situation doesn’t spill over into violence. To brace for the inevitable: the MQM(H) has as much a right to practical politics as any other party. They are going to want to participate in the upcoming general elections and, before that, stage rallies as a show of strength. For those who think the upcoming PTI rally in Karachi is going to be a powderkeg, the MQM(H)’s (possible) resurgence might dwarf any such tumult. It is absolutely essential, therefore, for Sindh’s security apparatus to gear up well for the coming months. Perhaps the greatest failure of the Pakistani state is its inability to manage the electoral process in its biggest metropolis. Given how the tectonic plates of the city’s politics are aligning, things are going to get far worse before they get any better.
Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami
Arif Nizami Editor
Lahore – Ph: 042-36298305-10 Fax: 042-36298302 Karachi – Ph: 021-34330811-3 Fax: 021-34330900 Islamabad – Ph: 051-2287414-6 Fax: 051-2287417 Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
Monday, 19 December, 2011
The hot frontier the military solution is not as simple as it sounds
O
f all the flashpoints in the world, Pakistan’s tribal areas in the north-west are the hottest frontier, these days. For quite a while, now, the defence forces have been engaged there in pacifying the militants considered to be a threat to the national and international peace. As the attention of the world is focused on the outcome of this battle, many in the West, particularly the US are getting impatient with the efforts and strategy of the Pakistani state in this regard as they eagerly look towards a swift solution. Such people are either naive or totally ignorant of the history of warfare in this area. To expect a resource-constrained Pakistan to smash the tribal rebels in a jiffy is unfair and unrealistic because even the British Empire - the mightiest of all the empires in the nineteenth and the first half of the twentieth centuries with immense financial resources at its disposal and great military traditions was never able to completely subdue the tribal warriors. This can be understood from the fact that in the two-decade period from 1879 to 1900, the British had to undertake twenty-one punitive military expeditions in the tribal region. In replica of the challenge faced by the Pakistani military, today; the British Indian Army also had to conduct two campaigns in Waziristan (1919-20) and (1936-7) and one in Mohmand (1935). The intensity of the resistance from Mahsud and Wazir lashkars in the (1919-20) can be imagined from the by basharat Hussain Qizilbash ‘butcher’s bill’: the British force had 366 dead, 1683 wounded and 237 missing. Sixteen years later, in the same area, the uprising of just four thousand warring tribesmen was so severe that the British had to deploy over sixty thousand troops for pacification. Those sitting in the cozy capitals of the West desiring quick fix of the ongoing hill warfare probably do not realise that it is an altogether ‘different’ warfare and they better read the accounts of those British officers, who fought in this region for years. One such account of 1933 published in the Journal of the United Service Institution of India inferred that the military training and equipment devised for ‘civilised’ European warfare were not suitable for tribal engagements. So, for many British, the tribal warfare was not ‘civilised’ but savage. One instance of tribal
eye on History
savagery recorded in history was witnessed by John Nicholson (who went on to become a general at the time of the 1857 Indian War of Independence), whose brother Alexander Nicholson, a soldier in the British ‘Army of Retribution’ in 1842, had his body badly mutilated and the hacked genitals stuffed in his mouth by the predatory tribesmen. The tribesmen remained a continuous pain in the neck of imperial Britain. The British generals tried every sophisticated weapon in their armoury against them. For example, in 1919, they tried tanks and investigated the employment of gas warfare. In 1925, Captain Mervyn Gompertz talked about the use of the Lewis gun to increase the fire effect; the motor vehicle to speed up the operations; the wireless telegraphy for quick communication; and the glider in the air to assist the infantry on the ground. A decade later, the Royal Air Force (RAF) conducted tactical exercises in Rawalpindi and Kanpur to support ground forces in mountain warfare. To ensure the quick movement of the soldiers in the hills, the amounts of ammunition and equipment carried by soldiers were reduced and instead of heavy ammunition boots, they were allowed to wear ‘chappals’ from 1934 onwards. The unusual nature of the tribal challenge compelled the British to introduce institutional changes to train the soldiers. After suffering heavy casualties in the 1897-98 Tirah campaign, specialised official manuals for mountain warfare were produced and the Mountain Warfare School was set at Abbottabad. To acquaint the British troops garrisoned in NWFP and Balochistan with the ‘uncivilised’ warfare, a special pamphlet was issued that laid down the general principles of military operations against the tribesmen. As all soldiers were expected to fight in the tribal territories, therefore, ‘the Manual of Operations on the North- West Frontier of India’ was distributed among the units of the army throughout the subcontinent in 1925. So unique and diverse was the nature of the tribal battles that several unofficial textbooks were written by experienced Indian Army officers to enrich their junior colleagues that might have to fight on
the north-western border, one day. To gain access to the heart of the tribal areas, the British undertook road construction which also permitted the use of lorries (rather than mules) to transport troops, supplies, heavy artillery and deploy tanks. Side by side ran the project of railways in the Khyber Agency which was completed in 1926 due to a masterful survey by LieutenantColonel Gordon Hearn and the building of three miles of tunnels, hundreds of bridges, culverts and the shifting of about three million cubic yards of rock. After shedding much blood and spending enormous treasure, the British finally realised that the military option was not the only solution to the tribal problem. Instead of turning the tribesmen into permanent enemies, a need was felt to convert them into friends of the Raj. This approach was pioneered by Colonel Frederick Keen in a journal of the Indian army in1923, when he argued that “We should realise, as we have perhaps not done in the past, that in fighting the Pathans we are engaging in civil war and that it is to our advantage that enemies of today should be turned into our friends of tomorrow.” During the next ten years, the British pursed the policy of winning the “hearts and minds” and were quite successful in cultivating friendship with many tribes in this otherwise volatile region. That is why, when the Waziristan campaign was undertaken in 1936 and six squadrons of (RAF) were employed in the largest air operation ever conducted in India, the British government imposed clear restrictions on bombers whereby they were to avoid the bombing of non-combatants as well as attacks on the friendly tribes during the air operations. Such have been the intricacies of tribal warfare. If the British Empire with all its might could not impose a military solution during a century of its imperial rule, the West should not assume that the Pakistani state has a magical wand to bring peace in its tribal areas with the swish of a hand. The writer is an academic and journalist. He can be reached at qizilbash2000@yahoo.com
Regional press
Safeguarding national interests daily Khabroona
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he public and politicians alike have been alarmed and alerted by Nato’s recent strikes in the border areas of Mohmand Agency and the memo issue. Now people from all over the country are acutely attuned to their responsibilities of safeguarding the interests of the country and that there is a shift needed in many policies operational in the country. There have been widespread calls from the public – which have been echoed in the official circles – for a review of Pak-US relations and the grounds on which they are established. Unfortunately, erstwhile dictator Pervez Musharraf, without taking the Corps Commanders, politicians and technocrats into confidence, had made a ‘drastic shift” in the Afghan policy and allowed the US use of the Shamsi Airbase and other sen-
sitive installations. From such bases, the US has been engaging in drone attacks in the tribal belt. But with halting of supplies to NATO in Afghanistan, such drone attacks also stopped. Supplies have been halted in reaction to the US strike on the security forces checkpost at Mohmand Agency. The present government seems serious about getting rid of US influence in the region and dealing with the US on a more equitable basis. To that end, the PM boycotted the Bonn Germany conference. Similarly, both the Premier and the COAS are determined to resolve the memo issue as it also could help in adopting a unanimous stance against the US. The government must ensure that stern action is taken against those responsible for the memo as it seems like another plot against the interests of the country and an effort to destabilise it. – Translated from the original Pashto by Shamim Shahid
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
More on Khan
A government teetering Its tenure isn’t up but its time may be
on ideological corruption
by Waqqas mir
A
s he sat across from Karan Thapar, Imran Khan wore his smug and confident look. When Thapar asked him about militant groups and whether Khan would denounce them he answered broadly in the affirmative. But Thapar is not the usually naïve and unabashedly sick-of-democracy Pakistani television anchor. He proceeded to ask Khan whether Hafiz Saeed and Jamaat-ud-Daawa would be specifically mentioned. That was uncomfortable, for specifics are not conducive to Khan and his populism. Out came the reply which speaks volumes about the man and his philosophy. To paraphrase it Khan’s reply referred to Salmaan Taseer’s death about how the killer of a governor ‘becomes a hero’. Khan went on to say that Pakistan is the most polarised country in the world and that there is no point in being a hero in this country. As many ‘electable’ candidates continue to join the ranks of PTI, Imran Khan has assumed unprecedented importance on the national scene. He is ambitious and an achiever in many ways. Yet I am not sure that he knows what he is doing. Worse? He knows exactly what he is doing and is continuing with it. He is tapping into an anger that many in Pakistan feel – regarding financial corruption and the failings of the state. But his narrative is extremely narrow and perpetrates that what we must avoid. I have said it before in this space and I will say it here again today: financial corruption is not Pakistan’s biggest problem. Khan’s actions impliedly concede that yet his rhetoric never does — and I am pretty certain he does not realise this. His argument seems to be that once people join
the ranks of his party, they will act differently. That concedes the point that corruption is not as deep rooted as he makes it out to be. But every time we question Khan’s logic there are personal attacks and my personal favourite criticism: ‘Who is this guy? Who lets him write?’ I do not share the one-dimensional view of financial corruption that most PTI supporters do. For me, ideas are important and I respect people who get agitated about ideas and not personalities. I do not see individuals as saviours and I loathe the messiah complex that far too many young people of my generation are plagued with. I do not think that taking money for private gain is limited to Pakistan or that that is what has restricted Pakistan’s potential. Financial corruption was not what broke Pakistan into two and financial corruption is not what is threatening Pakistan’s integrity. I usually would be the first to distrust Transparency International’s indices about corruption and its perceptions. But even by that measure Pakistan has performed better under this government. Of course that is not a conversation that the PTI, its followers or the national media wants to have. What none of these understand is this: Institutions struggle with each other as a country evolves and they end up imposing checks and balances on each other — not always out of benevolence or the national good but because they want to retain their own clout. That is a natural process and must be given time. The national media which often treats democracy and politicians with shameful disdain needs to realise this. PTI supporters and sympathisers often make the argument that Khan needs electables with him to bring a change. But I am not sure what this so called change implies. To someone who already thinks that financial corruption is not the biggest issue there are bigger and more difficult battles to pick and the civil military imbalance and the fight against militancy tops the list. And by fight, I mean the fight of ideas just as powerful as the fight of arms. It is every bit as corrupt for a leader at the national scene to see
Comment 13
something and then not speak out against it if he disagrees with it or sees its potential dangers. It is far more corrupt for someone to engage with an ideology without bothering to confront the destruction it has wreaked. The lack of an ability to tolerate dissent and questions and then to perpetrate that as change is the most invidious sort of corruption in my eyes. It is not difficult to stir up the emotions of Pakistanis - we are an emotional lot. Far too many of us for far too often have been fed this military establishment sponsored narrative in which all politicians are corrupt and the system needs an overthrow every now and then. This narrative focuses on financial corruption and not ideas. It focuses on simple one-line answers and not nuanced approaches. It facilitates blaming other powers — for using us, for leaving the region etc — and not ourselves for breeding militancy. A few among the many in Pakistan have managed to distort the national discourse — with the threat and use of arms. There are also those who do not want questions regarding Khan because, as the argument goes, ‘who else’? But someone who believes that this country does not need a hero is a coward and does not believe in the fight of ideas. He believes not in pragmatism but rhetoric. Someone who avoids specifics has shallow ideas and a failure to admit that is inherently corrupt. Someone who fails to confront all that is dangerous within Pakistan (chiefly, the army sponsored narrative) is exactly what we need to avoid. Khan is wrong, dead wrong. We need difficult questions and we need a battle of ideas. Standing up for ideas might make you unpopular and make others resent you. But that is exactly what we need. Regardless of what the PTI supporters tell you, let us not forget that there is every point in being a hero in this country and condemning violence and the narrative that apologises for it. The writer is a Barrister and an Advocate of the High Courts. He has a special interest in Antitrust law and is currently pursuing an LLM at a law school in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Border Crossing by Kuldip nayar
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here is not a shred of doubt that the Manmohan Singh government would have fallen last week if it had persisted in going ahead with FDI in retail. The opposition came together and the government was reduced to 206 in the 545-member house. A similar fate can confront the government if it does not improve upon the diluted bill to set up the institution of Ombudsman (Lokpal) to deal with corruption. Behind-the-scenes efforts have not stopped to bring down the government. Permutations and combinations are being worked out and it looks difficult that the government can complete the full term up to May, 2014. The threat has already affected the functioning of government. Decisions are taking long and there is a paralysis in the administration. It looks as if it is momentum which is keeping it going. Most political parties, particularly the BJP, have taken the advantage of Gandhian Anna Hazare’s movement on the Lokpal bill which brought thousands from civil society on the streets. Except the National Congress Party (NCP) of Maharashtra (9), the Trinamul Congress of West Bengal (19) and the DMK of Tamilnadu, (16) almost all political parties from left to right commanding the strength of 201 joined Hazare on the same platform. The Congress led-government has 248 in tow, missing the half way mark of 272. Therefore, the government cannot take bold decision
which the situation demands. The Congress is justified in alleging that the Hazare’s movement has got politicised. The party has also a point when it says that such pressures tell upon the democratic method of achieving the end. However, I do not accept the charge that Hazare has political gains in view. The more the Congress trumps up such allegations the less will be its credibility. Yet the Congress has itself to blame for the development because the Lokpal bill it has brought before Parliament is neither fish nor foul. It goes against the assurances the Congress gave to Anna Hazare (the PM endorsed those through a letter). Now that the bill is being amended, the Congress should introspect why it could not read the mood of political parties and the public. The party has lost its face by first insisting to keep the lower staff as well as PM out of ambit of Lokpal and then surrendering within 48 hours. (Former PM Inder Gujral is opposed to having PM under Lokpal. He says that the PM has so much information accumulating at his table that he cannot afford to share anything with anyone, including Lokpal, because by doing so he may harm national interest). Yet the sticking point is the Central Bureau of Investigation. This is an instrument which every government has used against opponents at the centre and in the states. CBI is under the personnel department of central government that means the ruling party. Rulers have misused CBI to sustain its majority in the Lok Sabha or the state legislatures. Sharad Yadav, a leader of Other Backward Classes (OBC) has been honest enough to say on the floor of the house that they too misused CBI when they were in power. In fact, it is time that all political parties realise that the destabilisation of elected governments does not augur well for them or the country.
The country is going down the hill as far as the economy is concerned. Industrial growth rate has slipped to 5.1 per cent, the lowest in the last two years. The growth of GDP is just above 7 per cent which is the minimum if the nation does not want to see the lay offs and dire unemployment. India is no more considered a good place for investment. The licking that the rupee is getting shows that. The Singh government will have to make many compromises to stay in power. This may entail economic packages to Trinamul Congress, the DMK or smaller parties. This is not good for the country’s health, economically or politically. The Congress is right when it blames the opposition for stalling parliament and not letting the key bills to be passed. Indeed, the opposition’s role is negative when the nation faces a difficult hour. But then the opposition is interested in coming to power by hook or by crook, not in pushing the economy. In the process, people are suffering and missing pace and progress in development. On the chessboard of politics, the different parties are busy playing the game in such a way that they sustain their strength and project their own interest even if it means stagnation for the nation. No doubt, they do not want to face election because of uncertainty of the outcome. The electorate has no faith in what the government claims and no confidence in what the political parties promise. Hazare’s agitation has awakened them to the misdeeds of those in power or those who are outside it. Fresh election may throw up new faces, new parties and new combinations. There may well be a manthan (churning). Some dirt is bound to come out. This is good for the nation. There is no alternative to new elections. The writer is a senior Indian journalist.
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
Israel prepares to free 550 Palestinian prisoners jeRUsalem/ CaIRo afp
CaIRo: egyptian protesters throw stones at security forces during clashes in the third straight day of violence which has left 10 people dead and at least 500 wounded. AFP
Egypt troops, protesters clash again CaIRo
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ReuteRS
ROTESTERS and troops fought in Cairo on Sunday, the third day of clashes that have killed 10 people and exposed rifts over the army‘s role as it manages Egypt‘s promised transition from military to civilian rule. Troops have set up barriers on streets around Tahrir Square, the hub of the uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak and now again convulsed by violence as protesters demand that the generals who took charge in February quit power. Soldiers in riot gear were filmed on Saturday beating protesters with long sticks even after they had fallen to the ground. A picture showed two soldiers dragging a woman lying on the ground
by her shirt, exposing her underwear. The violence has overshadowed a staggered parliamentary election, the first free vote most Egyptians can remember, that is set to give Islamists the biggest bloc. Some Egyptians are enraged by the army‘s behaviour. Others want to focus on voting, not street protests. The ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces will retain power even after the lower house vote is completed in January, but has pledged to hand over to an elected president by July. “The army council must go,” said a protester with a bandaged head, who gave his name as Mohamed, after another night of clashes between soldiers and activists who had stayed in Tahrir. Nearby dozens of youths hurled rocks at troops behind a barrier of barbed wire and metal sheets. Hundreds of protesters were in
Tahrir in the early morning, some huddled round fires to keep warm in the chill air after troops had burned down their tents the day before. Television footage showed one soldier in a line of charging troops firing a shot at fleeing protesters on Saturday, though it was not clear whether he was using live rounds. The army said it does not use live ammunition. It has also said troops had tackled only “thugs,” not protesters. ‘ATTACK On THE REVOLuTiOn’: Protesters and soldiers have hurled rocks at each other. Some demonstrators have also lobbed petrol bombs at army lines. A building with historic archives was gutted by a fire. Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri blamed the violence on youths among the protesters. “What is happening in the streets today is not a revolution, rather it is an
attack on the revolution,” the army-appointed premier said. The army says it has sought to separate protesters and troops to quell the violence. On one of the main streets leading from Tahrir to the cabinet and parliament, where violence has been fiercest, the army has erected a wall of concrete blocks. The latest bloodshed began after the second round of voting last week for parliament’s lower house. The staggered election began on November 28 and will end with a run-off vote on January 11. The Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist parties repressed in the 30year Mubarak era have emerged as strong front-runners. Referring to the Cairo clashes, the Brotherhood said the military must apologise for the “crime that has been committed”.
Iraqis joyful as US leaves but doubtful of leaders IRaQ-KUWaIT boRdeR afp
The last US forces left Iraq and entered Kuwait Sunday, nearly nine years after launching a divisive war to oust Saddam Hussein, and just as the oil-rich country grapples with renewed political deadlock. The last of roughly 110 vehicles carrying 500-odd troops mostly belonging to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, traversed the border at 7.38am (0438 GMT), leaving just a couple hundred soldiers at the US embassy, in a country where there were once nearly 170,000 troops on 505 bases. It ends a war that left tens of thousands of Iraqis and nearly 4,500 American soldiers dead, many more wounded, and 1.75 million Iraqis displaced, after the US-led invasion unleashed brutal sectarian killing. The withdrawal comes as the country struggles with renewed political deadlock as the Iraqiya bloc, which won March 2010 elections and drew most of its support from minority Sunnis, said it was boycotting parliament to protest Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s centralisation of decision-making. Meanwhile, Iraqis expressed joy at the news that US forces had completed their withdrawal on Sunday, but voiced doubts their politicians could come together to rebuild the violence-wracked country. Their lack of confidence in their leaders was highlighted by renewed political crisis as Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki sought to oust one of his deputies and the main Sunni-backed political bloc boycotted parliament, just as the final US troops crossed into Kuwait to end the nearly nine-year war. “I am proud - all Iraqis should be proud, like all those whose country has been freed,” 26-year-old baker Safa, who did not want to give his real
NaSIRIYaH: Soldiers rejoice before departing, as around 500 troops ended their presence on Camp adder, the last remaining american base, and departed in the final american military convoy out of Iraq on Sunday. AFP name, said in Baghdad’s Karrada commercial district. “The Americans toppled Saddam, but our lives since then have gone backward. “I don’t think we can ever forgive the Americans for what they did to us, from killings to terrorism,” said a 50-year-old mother-of-four. “Americans think only about themselves, and not about the consequences of their actions.” In the mostly Sunni Arab north Baghdad neighbourhood of Adhamiyah, where Saddam Hussein was last seen publicly before his capture, 60-year-old retiree Mohammed Abdelamir said he felt “freed from the occupation,” referring to US troops as many Iraqis long have, as an occupying force. He was referring to signs of unravelling in Iraq’s year-old national unity government which emerged just as US forces completed their withdrawal. On Sunday, Maliki conveyed an official message to parliament, calling on lawmakers to oust his deputy Saleh alMutlak, a Sunni Arab and member of
the secular Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc. As US troops complete their withdrawal from Iraq, more than eight years after the invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein, they leave behind a country still facing a litany of challenges. Here is an overview of some of the key problems: - dispuTEd TERRiTORiEs Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region in the north wants a swathe of territory stretching from the border with Iran to the Syrian frontier to be incorporated into its three-province area. Baghdad also claims the land, which includes portions of four provinces, and centres around the oil-rich, multi-ethnic city of Kirkuk. - insuRGEnTs And AL-QAEdA The Sunni insurgency has dramatically declined since violence peaked in 2006 and 2007, thanks to an alliance between Sunni tribesmen and the US military against Al-Qaeda since late 2006. Attacks, kidnappings and execu-
tions remain common, however, and the Islamic State of Iraq, Al-Qaeda’s front group, still carries out major attacks against the security forces, Shiites and Christians. - TEnsiOns bETwEEn RELiGiOus COmmuniTiEs Many Iraqis accuse the US of bringing sectarianism to politics, a dimension they say was largely absent under Saddam. The Shiite-led government has accused Sunni Arabs, who dominated Saddam’s regime, of plotting to overthrow it. On Saturday, the Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc suspended its participation in parliament over what it claimed was Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s centralisation of decision-making power. - syRiA CRisis Iraq shares a long border with Syria, where an offshoot of Saddam’s Baath Party rules. A potential fall of Syria’s minority Shiite Alawite regime could push refugees across the frontier, threatening to raise tensions between Iraqi Sunnis and Shiites. - iRAniAn inFLuEnCE Iran is widely believed to exert major influence on the government, and has been accused by Washington of training and equipping Shiite militias in the south of Iraq, charges Tehran denies. - insTiTuTiOnAL CORRupTiOn And FRAGiLiTy Iraq lacks an interior minister, and no permanent defense minister has been named since March 2010 elections because of political disputes. Institutions are weak and rife with graft, with Iraq rated the eighth-most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International. Some provinces want more autonomy, along the lines of the Kurdistan region.
Israel was on Sunday preparing to release 550 Palestinian prisoners who will be freed after nightfall to complete a swap deal which brought about the release of captive soldier Gilad Shalit. The release operation was expected to take place late in the evening, when the prisoners would be bussed to drop-off points near the West Bank city of Ramallah and along the Gaza border. Among the prisoners earmarked for release is Salah Hamuri, a French-Palestinian who was convicted of plotting to assassinate a Jewish religious leader and had been due to complete his seven-year sentence in March. Unlike in the first stage of the deal, which saw the release in October of 477 Palestinians including hundreds serving life for killing Israelis, Sunday’s operation will not include anyone “with blood on their hands,” officials on both sides said. The names of the prisoners to be released were selected by Israel, and none of them belong to Hamas or Islamic Jihad. Israeli officials said priority had been given to members of the secular Fatah movement of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. HAmAs, FATAH bEGin KEy uniTy TALKs in CAiRO: The rival Palestinian movements Fatah and Hamas began meeting in Cairo on Sunday to discuss ways of implementing a stalled reconciliation deal, an official said. Delegates from the two factions met “to prepare for the comprehensive dialogue” which is to take place on Tuesday in the Egyptian capital, Azzam al-Ahmed, head of the Fatah delegation said. The two were to hold talks on Thursday to discuss ways of implementing a landmark reconciliation deal between their rival movements which was signed in May but which has never got off the ground.
Israel, uS ‘determined’ to halt Iran nuclear drive: barak jeRUsalem afp
Israel and the United States are determined to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and do not rule out any option to that end, Israel’s defense minister said on Sunday. “Our two countries clearly believe that a nuclear Iran is neither conceivable nor acceptable and we are determined to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons,” Defence Minister Ehud Barak told public radio, two days after meeting US President Barack Obama. “We reiterated the fact that we must not take any option off the table,” Barak said. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Obama said Washington had “worked painstakingly” with its allies to halt Iran’s nuclear programme, which Israel and Western governments suspect is cover for a drive for an atomic weapon. Obama said recently-imposed Western sanctions were the “most comprehensive, the hardesthitting” ever faced by Iran and vowed that the international community would “keep up the pressure.” He also vowed to “take no options off the table.”
200 feared dead as migrant boat sinks in Indonesia WaTUlImo afp
More than 200 people were feared dead after a heavily overloaded boat packed mostly with Afghan and Iranian asylumseekers sank off Indonesia en route to Australia, rescuers said Sunday. Australia’s government called the sinking “a terrible tragedy”, but came under pressure from campaign groups which said its tough approach to refugees was partly responsible for such disasters. The fibreglass boat had a capacity of 100 but was overloaded with about 250 people when it sank on Saturday 40 nautical miles off eastern Java, in heavy rain and high waves, Indonesian officials said.
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
Foreign News 15
Philippines storm toll reaches 650; 800 missing CaGaYan de oRo
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H I L I P P I N E S S S rescuers struggled against mud, fatigue and the stench of death Sunday to help the survivors of devastating flash floods that killed more than 650 people. As bodies washed out to sea began rising to the surface, mortuaries were overwhelmed and emergency teams struggled to find survivors in cloying mud around the major port cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan on Mindanao island. Entire villages were swept away by floodwaters as residents, normally spared from typhoons that devastate other parts of the Philippinesss every year, slept in the early hours of Saturday despite storm warnings. The Red Cross said that 652 people had been confirmed dead and another 808 were currently listed as missing. “I’m out here retrieving bodies that are starting to rise to the surface,” Benito Ramos, head of the national disaster council, said.
britain seeks to calm economic war of words with France
The United States offered assistance to its former colony as the Philippiness government and the Red Cross appealed for help to feed, clothe and house more than 35,000 people huddled in evacuation centres. A 20,000-strong military force normally involved in fighting Muslim insurgents in Mindanao was leading rescue and relief operations. A 30-member military and police rescue team landed Sunday in Bayug, a delta area near Iligan formerly home to a fishing community of up to 1,000 people. The delta had been swept clean of most structures, leaving those left alive having to rebuild huts with scrap wood, and Lieutenant Colonel Efren Baluyot said only 43 people were known to have survived there. Local freelance reporter Leonardo vicente Corrales said rotting corpses were piling up unclaimed at mortuaries in Cagayan de Oro as overworked staff ran out of embalming fluid, coffins, and water to clean them. “The bodies are decomposing too quickly because they are drowning victims - because there is muddy water in
CaGaYaN De oRo: Residents work among the debris and flood waters on Sunday, a day after typhoon Washi wrought havoc in the city. AFP their bodies,” he said. One establishment, Somo Funeral Homes, turned away the bodies of two drowned children. “We are already
swamped. We only have four embalmers,” its owner Ryan Somo said. The local authorities opened up fire hydrants and long lines soon formed as
residents queued for fresh water. Gwendolyn Pang, the organisation’s secretary general, said the 808 people listed as missing could be trimmed as the dead were identified. Philippiness President Benigno Aquino has ordered a review of the country’s disaster defenses as it became apparent that residents were unprepared for such a deadly storm. Ramos, the disaster agency chief, said the government faced a formidable task with 100,000 people needing help, including those who sought refuge at schools, government buildings and gyms. The national government has begun airlifting mats, blankets and clothes to the affected populations of the south, he added. Debris has to be cleared, electricity and drinking water have to be restored and damaged roads and bridges must be repaired, officials said. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent condolences to the Philippinesss and said in a statement: “The US government stands ready to assist Philippiness authorities as they respond to this tragedy.”
2011 TOPSHOTS
london afp
British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg sought Sunday to draw a line under a row with France over the state of their economies, insisting cooperation was vital to end the eurozone crisis. Clegg, leader of the europhile Liberal Democrats, also insisted Britain would work with Europe despite Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron’s veto of a new EU treaty to save the euro, which angered fellow EU leaders. The British deputy premier, who had led the fightback against the French criticism, on Sunday said it was now time to end the “beauty contest” over their economies. “Franco-British tit-for-tat language is something which crops up from time to time in our history and always has done,” Clegg told Sky News television. Clegg also insisted Sunday that Britain would stay at the negotiating table for talks on a new fiscal pact, which was agreed by the other 26 EU states following London’s veto.
Iraq FM to lead Syria initiative baGHdad afp
Baghdad’s foreign minister will lead an Iraqi initiative to end months of unrest in Syria by holding talks with the Damascus regime, opposition groups and the Arab League, an Iraqi official said Sunday. “Our next step is to launch our initiative, and this task will be led by the foreign minister who will announce the details and mechanisms to the Arab League and the Syrian parties soon,” National Security Adviser Falah al-Fayadh said. Fayadh said on Sunday that Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi is “for an Arab solution and against internationalisation of the crisis.” On Sunday, a civilian was among seven people killed in violence in Syria as clashes raged between deserters and regular army troops in centres of protest against the regime, human rights activists said.
velvet revolution hero dies PRaGUe afp
Former Czech president, hero of the velvet Revolution that toppled communism in his country in 1989, died on Sunday at the age of 75, his office said. Havel, who served as head of state from 1989 to 2003, died in his sleep at dawn after a lengthy illness, his spokeswoman Sabina Tancevova said. Havel personified the velvet Revolution which peacefully toppled Czechoslovakia’s communist regime in December 1989. He was seen as someone who had led his fellow citizens without pain to a beautiful victory over an incomparably stronger apparatus of power.
atHeNS: Loukanikos, athens' ‘riot dog', sits in the street in front of aligned protesters during a students’ demonstration. the athens' stray dog has become an unofficial mascot of city protests and has this week reaped another accolade by featuring in time magazine's 'person of the Year' award. the magazine's annual honours this year were dedicated to protesters in the arab world, the crisis-hit eu, the united States and Russia. AFP
Thousands protest against rigged polls in Russia mosCoW afp
Around 8,000 people protested in Moscow and Saint Petersburg on Sunday against what they say were rigged parliamentary polls handing victory to vladimir Putin’s ruling party. The new rallies come on the heels of a wave of protests that swept Russia last weekend after the opposition and independent observers said Putin’s United Russia party cheated its way to a slim majority in December 4 parliamentary polls. More than 3,000 people attended a rally on Manezhnaya Square near the Kremlin walls organised by the Communist party, the runner-up in the parliamentary elections. Yury Molodkin said he joined the rally because he was “outraged” by Putin’s claims that protesters were in the pay of a foreign state and compared a symbol of the protests against his rule - the white ribbon - to condoms. In a live televised phone-in beamed across Russia on Thursday, Putin claimed he wasn’t troubled by the largest protests of his 12-year rule and said he first thought the rallies were an anti-AIDS campaign and that its participants had pinned condoms to their lapels. Police put the turnout at the Moscow protest at 3,300 people. In Saint Petersburg protesters chanting “Russia Will Be Free!” and holding signs such as one reading “Give Back My vote!” also said they were offended by Putin’s claims they were hired to protest.
MoSCoW: Russian communist party protests near the Kremlin. Russia's Communist party supporters gather for a demonstration against the December 4 parliament elections results. AFP
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
Kareena and I
in limelight
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look great together, says Imran Khan
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mUmbaI
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aGeNCIeS
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e will be seen romancing Kareena Kapoor in Karan Johar’s next ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’ and Bollywood actor Imran Khan says they look great together on screen. In his seven films so far, the 28-year-old actor has worked with seven different actresses - Genelia D’Souza, Minnisha Lamba, Shruti Hassan, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and Sonam Kapoor. Imran says he is excited about his unusual pairing with Kareena, who is much senior to him in the industry. “I have seen the film and so I can say that Kareena and I look great together. It was amazing to work with her because she is a great actor. The film is good, the script is good and I hope the audience will like it,” Imran said. The actor, who was in here for the unveiling of the 57th Filmfare Awards, has hosted the show for the last two years along with actor Ranbir Kapoor. But he said that he has not yet been confirmed to anchor this year’s show. “We (Ranbir and he) have not yet been confirmed to host the event for the third time. The first time was scary because we replaced Shah Rukh (Khan) and Saif (Ali Khan). I have enjoyed my experience so far. I would love to host the show this time as well but nothing has been finalised,” he said.
John Abraham to get engaged next year
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mumbAi: Ritesh Sidhwani, Priyanka Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan and Farhan Akhtar pose during a promotional event for the ‘Don 2’ board game. pARis: French singer Helene Segara performs at the Notre Dame de Paris musical show. LOndOn: British actress Helen Mirren attends the British Comedy Awards. LAs VEGAs: Khloe Kardashian waves at the grand opening of the Kardashian Khaos store. nEw yORK: Tom Hanks, Thomas Horn, and Sandra Bullock attend the ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close’ premiere. mumbAi: Neha Dhupia and Jacqeline Fernandez pose for a photo announcing their performance for a New Year’s Eve show.
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mUmbaI ZeeNeWS
Bollywood hunk John Abraham might have earned the tag of being a commitment phobic person who had paranoia for marriage, but he is now keen to settle down in life. John made news post his public break-up with Bipasha Basu, his girlfriend of a decade, early this year. He was also slammed by many for dumping Bipasha at a time when she was looking forward to getting married to him. But soon after his split with Bips, John made his desire to experience the institution of marriage and was spotted a number of times with Priya Runchal, a financial analyst. And if the latest buzz that is doing the rounds is to be believed, then the dimpled man is thinking of getting engaged to his newest ladylove in April next year. Well, Bispasha has certainly moved on but looks like John is trying too hard to prove everyone who thinks he is a Casanova, wrong.
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Zayed Khan
We’re different
busy juggling work, family
but get along well: Ranveer, Anushka
MuMBaI: Actor zayed Khan loves his work as much as he loves his family! So he is busy creating a balance between both his worlds these days. The actor turned producer this year, with ‘love breakups zindagi’, and says there are bigger plans for it in the coming year. “(There are) lots of things on the cards. I am not at liberty to tell what my company is involved in. but we are onto our next production right now. It is an action-comedy,” zayed said. “besides that, we are working on multiple levels of all forms of entertainment and, yes, I am working on another film, which I am starting in February,” he added. Year 2011 also brought him another reason for joy - his second son with wife Mallaika. zayed’s first son, ziddan is now three, and the couple has named the second child, Aariz. “I am a family guy. lots of things to juggle with and I am just happy with the pace of life,” said zayed. aGeNCIeS
MuMBaI: ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma engage in a sizzling chat, revealing what makes them such good friends. on working together after a year. ranveer: “There were a lot of conflicts during bbb, but we’re on the same page now. She’s more spontaneous, I’m more rehearsed.” Anushka: “we’re more comfortable with each other now. we had different approaches to work, but we’ve understood it better and we have a very comfortable relationship off-camera.” on being more different than alike. ranveer: “we’re different at a core, fundamental level. but we manage to get along well.” Anushka: “I think the only thing we agree on, is ‘agree to disagree’!” on her ‘arrogance’ and his ‘motor-mouth’. ranveer: “I don’t think Anushka is arrogant. She’s extremely smart. Yes, sometimes, she gets out of control and I’ve to calm her down.” Anushka: “ranveer is mistaken to be a ‘moophat’ but he’s not. He’s impulsive and child-like. He lets his impulses take over. I’m ‘moophat’.” on their link-up and controversies. Anushka: “The day I start using my personal life to sell myself as an actor, I’ll leave the industry.” ranveer: “I just want to focus on my work right now.” aGeNCIeS
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Offensive london
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HE Rolls-Royce has always had a history of elegance and class – until now. That prestigious reputation has been smashed by the world’s most vulgar makeover of the company’s iconic Ghost model. An Italian fashion design house has created a gold-covered monstrosity costing more than £1 million. The Fenice Milano ‘Diva’ has been spray painted in 24-carat gold and the company is so proud of it they have described the model as a “true masterpiece”. It is fitted with the same 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine of the Ghost, giving the saloon more than 560bhp and a top speed of 155mph. Fenice Milano believes their Rolls-Royce is a “synonym for
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Veena Malik not in Pakistan, very much in Mumbai
timberlake,
Ameesha Patel West named most Stylish MuMbAI: Ameesha Patel has signed a film with Sunny Deol 10 years after ‘gadar: ek Prem Katha’. They are acting together in ‘bhaiyyaji Superhit’. Says the excited actress, “what’s striking is that I will romance not one but two Sunnys, as he is playing a double role. It’s a first for him and for me too. Sunny’s comic timing is excellent, and the audiences loved him in ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’. This film captures his comic side again.” Ameesha plays a glamorous diva in the film, who is being pursued by three men - Arshad warsi, Tusshar Kapoor and Prakash raj. Apart from the pairing with Sunny, Ameesha’s plate is full with work pouring in from other banners. Her own home production with business partner Kuunal goomer is moving ahead full swing. “‘Shortcut romeo’ with neil nitin Mukesh will be a surprise for the audience. And David Dhawan, who is directing our first film, has a superb script in place,” she says. aGeNCIeS
of Cambridge hit by downturn on the slopes london The ski slopes of the Alps hold strong romantic memories for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, but, sadly, cold economic winds back home appear to be preventing their return. Mandrake can disclose that the couple will not be taking a skiing holiday this winter, amid suggestions that such a trip would “send out the wrong signal” to Britons struggling in the economic downturn. “The couple have no plans to go skiing over the winter,” confirms one of their friends. A courtier says: “William and Catherine appreciate that not everyone can afford to go skiing and that pictures of them on the slopes might send out the wrong signal.” Last year, the Prince of Wales, a keen skiier, was put off the idea of a visit to the slopes because it was said that it did not look good in the recession. Prince William’s relationship with the then Kate Middleton was confirmed in public when photographs of the couple on a skiing holiday in Klosters, Switzerland, were published in 2004. Two years ago, he took Kate and her family to Méribel in the French Alps. On the flight, when he was given an upgrade, he gave his seats to her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, while he and Kate sat in economy. They also headed to Courchevel, with William, memorably, calling Michael “dad” during one meal, fuelling speculation over an imminent wedding announcement. Three years ago, Prince Charles
veena Malik could do little but come out in the open when news of hers going to Pakistan for visa renewal made headlines this morning. Talking to reporters, veena’s representative said, “I am on my way to meet veena who is at Oakwood Park. I have only spoken to her briefly.” The actress went missing while shooting for her Bollywood film and was not traceable since then. People close to her in India felt that she was suffering from severe depression after her father publicly disowned her for shooting “nude” for FHM magazine. However, the lady has denied undergoing depression and said that she was fatigued after having shot for over 18 hours on a go. She switched off her mobile phone so that she could rest without being disturbed. Earlier in the day, there were speculations that the lady had left for Pakistan via Wagah Border clad in a burqa to avoid paparazzi.
two Sunnys:
The Duke and Duchess teLeGRapH
mUmbaI
i will romance
good. My personal taste doesn’t run to something like a Diva, but I think it would be great fun to show up in one. All in all, perhaps a slightly bizarre car, but a very neat one.”
class, elegance and style”. Many would disagree. The interior has biscuit leather and 24carat gold throughout. The standard Ghost costs £220,000 but the Diva is now for sale at £1.05million. Phillip Brooks, a Rolls-Royce historian, described the car as “bizarre” but also “spectacular”. He said: “I think what Fenice is doing with the Ghost is quite interesting. It’s certainly a case of gilding the lily, but the gilding job looks pretty
ZeeNeWS
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£1 million 24-carat gold rolls-royce is unveiled… but who on earth would want to buy it? g
men of 2011
NeW YoRK: Justin Timberlake and Kanye west have been voted as the Most Stylish Men of 2011 in a recent poll. In the new poll conducted by InStyle Magazine, the singer turned actor and the rapper were named as this year’s trendiest males among 20 other celebrities, Contactmusic reported. west has recently launched his own fashion line. other stars who made the cut are zac efron, ‘Twilight’ hunk robert Pattinson, soccer ace David beckham, Jennifer Aniston’s boyfriend Justin Theroux and actor Jake gyllenhaal. aGeNCIeS
cancelled his skiing trip to help cut down his “carbon footprint”. In 2001, he pulled out of his holiday to show solidarity with farmers during the foot-and-mouth outbreak. The Duchess of Cornwall does not ski and is said to be no fan of the Alps.
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
Taufiq digs in after BD make 338
no compromise on security this time: zaka KaRaCHI afp
DHAKA: Taufeeq umar plays a shot. (r) Pakistani cricketers celebrate after the dismissal of bangladeshi batsman Shakib Al Hasan. AFP dHaKa
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AUFEEQ Umar closed in on a second successive half-century to steady Pakistan on the second day of the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Sunday. The left-handed opener, who scored 61 in the opening Test in Chittagong, was unbeaten on 44 as Pakistan reached 87-1 in their first innings at stumps after bowling out Bangladesh for 338. Azhar Ali was 26 not out when play was called off due to bad light. Pakistan lost in-form Mohammad Hafeez before Umar and Azhar put on 64 runs for the unbroken second-wicket stand, with Umar hitting eight fours in his 79-ball knock so far. Bangladesh paceman Nazmul Hossain, returning to the Test side after seven years, struck with his first delivery when he had Hafeez caught behind for only 14, a stark contrast to the opener’s 143 in the last Test. “Our target
is to just go in there and carry on this partnership as long as we can. Our plan is to bat long,” said Azhar. “It was difficult to play spinners because the ball was turning a bit. But tomorrow it will be a new session and I think things will be easier after we spend some time at the crease.” Bangladesh, resuming at 234-5, earlier lost well-set Shakib Al Hasan (144) and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (40) off successive balls before being bowled out in the afternoon session. The hosts were strongly placed at 3055 before losing their last five wickets for 33, with Shakib’s dismissal starting the slide. Shakib was run out following a mix-up with his skipper as Umar hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end from mid-wicket, while Rahim was caught down the leg-side by wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal off paceman Umar Gul. “It was great to score runs for the team. It was sad the way I got out, but it’s part of cricket and it can happen to anyone. I didn’t have any specific goal to reach a double-hundred or so,” said
Shakib. “I just wanted to bat as long as possible. Now our target is to get them out as soon as possible and the first session tomorrow is very important.” Left-handed Shakib and Rahim batted comfortably against Pakistan’s pace-spin combination, adding 82 runs for the sixth wicket. Fast bowlers Gul and Aizaz Cheema each took three wickets, while off-spinner Saeed Ajmal finished with 2-64. Former captain Shakib, 108 overnight, cracked 15 fours in a superb 242-ball knock for his highest score in any form of international cricket, while Rahim hit one six and six fours in his 102-ball innings. Shahadat Hossain, dropped on five by Abdur Rehman at deep mid-wicket off Ajmal, remained unbeaten on 21 with the help of one six and two fours. Pakistan went wicketless in the morning session despite taking the second new ball immediately it was available as Shakib and Rahim helped their team add 51 runs to their overnight total after a delayed start due to fog.
SCoReBoaRD BaNGLaDeSH 1st innings (overnight 234-5): tamim Iqbal c Cheema b Gul 14 Mohammed Nazimuddin lbw b Cheema 0 97 Shahriar Nafees c akmal b Gul 0 Mohammad Mahmudullah b Cheema Nasir Hossain c akmal b Cheema 7 Shakib al Hasan run out 144 Mushfiqur Rahim c akmal b Gul 40 elias Sunny lbw b ajmal 12 Shahadat Hossain not out 21 Nazmul Hossain run out 0 Robiul Islam lbw b ajmal 0 eXtRaS (lb3) 3 338 totaL (for all out; 107.2 overs) fall of wickets: 1-0 (Nazimuddin), 2-16 (tamim), 3-21 (Mahmudullah), 4-43 (Nasir), 5-223 (Nafees), 6-305 (Shakib), 7-305 (Rahim), 8-331 (Sunny), 9-332 (Nazmul), 10-338 (Robiul). BoWLING: Gul 28-1-102-3, Cheema 26-4-73-3, Hafeez 9-3-270, ajmal 24.2-3-64-2, Rehman 19-0-66-0, Younis 1-0-3-0. paKIStaN 1st innings: Mohammad Hafeez c Rahim b Nazmul 14 taufeeq umar not out 44 26 azhar ali not out eXtRaS (nb3) 3 totaL (for one wicket; 27 overs) 87 fall of wicket: 1-23 (Hafeez) BoWLING: Shahadat 2-0-15-0 (nb1), Robiul 7-1-24-0 (nb2), Nazmul 8-0-28-1, Mahmudullah 6-2-14-0, Shakib 4-1-6-0. toSS: pakistan uMpIReS: Billy Doctrove (WIS) and Shavir tarapore (IND) tV uMpIRe: enamul Haque (BaN) MatCH RefeRee: David Boon (auS)
Pakistan’s cricket chief said on Sunday he hoped the Bangladesh cricket team would tour the country, after the 2009 attacks on Sri Lanka’s side brought international visits to a standstill. The comments from Zaka Ashraf came after a meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart in Dhaka, with a tour possible in April next year if the visitors get a security clearance. “It’s a great news and we hope that Bangladesh tour us in April next year after getting security clearance from their government,” said Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He added: “We will provide them with foolproof (security) arrangements.” International cricket has been suspended in Pakistan since March 2009 when attacks on the Sri Lankan national team bus in Lahore left eight people dead and wounded seven visiting players and their assistant coach. Foreign teams have stayed away from touring Pakistan citing security fears, with Bangladesh becoming the first Test nation to play cricket in the troubled country in three years should the visit materialise. Ashraf, who took over as Pakistan’s top cricket official in October, said the proposed visit would pave the way for more teams to play in Pakistan. “I am sure after a successful tour by the Bangladesh team we will be able to convince more teams to tour Pakistan,” he said. Ashraf also said the country was more stable now, declaring its turbulent period was “over.” “All those things that you must have seen, they are over now. That’s why we want to reorganise cricket, bring back cricket to Pakistan. Fans are also being deprived of this game,” he said. Ashraf also announced the endorsement of Mustafa Kamal, president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, as the two countries’ joint nominee for the vice president’s post at the International Cricket Council (ICC). If approved by the ICC’s executive board, Kamal would take over as the international body’s vice president in 2012 and, under rotation rules, its president in 2014.
Pakistan’s rise began in Australia 35 years ago saad sHaFQaT CRICINfo
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HERE was no morning television in Pakistan in the 1970s, but early on January 18, 1977, Tv sets throughout the country were switched on to catch a satellite feed from Sydney. Thirty-five years later, any reference to that moment still stops people mid-stride. Their eyes grow distant and you can see they have been transported into a trance. The picture is grainy and fleeting. There is a throng on the Hill chanting Lillee's name. Majid Khan is taking guard; you can't see his face, but there is the unmistakable stance, and atop his head the threadbare floppy hat that he will later bestow on Lillee as a prize for knocking it off. Two Pakistan wickets have fallen, but Majid has also lifted Lillee for six. The target, in any case, is only 32 - too slim to be defended, even by Lillee's venomous arts. How Pakistan found themselves in this position encapsulates their cricketing ethos. Bruised after a fight with their cricket board, and stung by what some thought was an indifferent reception in Australia, they were determined to make an impact. They ended up with a Test win that transformed their psyche and altered the course of Pakistan's cricket history. Imran Khan was not yet the Imran Khan of legend. He recently recalled a green wicket, helpful conditions, and a deep itch to win. "That victory represents a watershed moment for Pakistan," he
said, emphasising each word in his signature manner. "It was very important for me personally, because I became recognised as a genuine fast bowler." Indeed, this was Imran's metamorphosis, when he entered a medium-pacer and emerged a fast bowler to be reckoned with among the best. Debuting in 1971, he had been an intermittent presence in the team, and this was only his 10th Test. His incoming record was 25 wickets at 43.52. Considering that the origins of an entire fast-bowling dynasty are embedded in his 12 wickets in Sydney, it is ironic that Imran's ambition at the time was merely to cement himself as the new-ball partner alongside Sarfraz Nawaz. There was a special significance to the turn of the year in 1976. Test cricket's centenary, it was aggressively promoted in Australia as their 100th home season. Australia's captain, Greg Chappell, was recognised as the national sportsman of the year, beating out stiff competition from compatriots who were Olympic heroes and world champions in other sports. Later in the season there would be a series against New Zealand and a landmark Centenary Test against England in Melbourne. But first, the Pakistanis had to be tackled. The tour almost didn't happen. A month before departure, Pakistan's top players confronted the cricket board chief, Abdul Hafeez Kardar, demanding better salaries. Controversy erupted on a dramatic scale, resolved only through the intervention of a cabinet minister. An unforgiving disciplinarian, Kardar never got over it.
Imran Khan transformed from a medium pacer to a fast and furious fast bowler. During the opening Test in Adelaide, after some of the dissenting players fell for low scores - including a second-ball duck for the chief spokesman, Asif Iqbal - he sent the team a telegram mocking their efforts. "We left for that tour in a bitter atmosphere," re-
calls Asif. "Kardar had made us feel small for demanding better pay when all we wanted was more dignity, which was important for the future of Pakistan cricket." Kardar's sarcastic prod may have been an important motivator, though it was not the only one. Pakistan's previous tour to Australia had left scars; Sydney had been the venue of a particularly bitter defeat. Since then, a number of Pakistanis had excelled for various county teams in the English summer. Pakistan had succeeded in winning their first overseas rubber, in New Zealand in 1973, and the following year went through an entire tour of England without a single defeat- which hadn't happened since Bradman's Australians did it in 1948. In the autumn of 1976, Mushtaq Mohammad took over the captaincy from Intikhab Alam and immediately led the team to an emphatic home series win over New Zealand. By the time the Pakistanis arrived in Australia, they felt they could win and were dying to prove it. "We wanted to shake off our sense of inferiority," says Imran, echoing the feelings of his team-mates and millions of compatriots. Several accounts of the Sydney Test have appeared over the years. Mushtaq, Imran, and Javed Miandad referred to it in their autobiographies, as did Dennis Lillee, who wrote in Menace that he found Pakistan with "a much tougher attitude, more aggressive in every area". A particularly full sketch is present in Greg Chappell's The 100th Summer, an absorbing record of that season. Pakistan's heroes from that match recollect the
contest proudly but in broad strokes - the kind of memory you might have if you go through a seminal experience without knowing that one day it will be mythologised. Even before the first ball was bowled, Sydney's mottled pitch raised many eyebrows. Mushtaq wanted to bowl first and was surprised when Chappell opted to bat. Chappell's reasoning was that Australia would avoid batting in the fourth innings against Pakistan, whose bowling line-up included three spinners. He wasn't worried about Sarfraz and Imran, thinking them medium-pacers who Australia would weather through the morning, after which the wicket would ease up. Minutes into the match, Sarfraz had opener Alan Turner caught behind. Sarfraz kept a steady fourth-stump line, finding movement both off the seam and in the air. He remembers the wicket as helpful and lively. "Imran and I kept talking to each other and encouraging each other between overs," he says. "Australia's batsmen came under pressure and that kept us going. Imran bowled with express pace." At the other end, Imran was certainly producing hostile speed and bounce. The pounding in Wasim Bari's gloves told him he had never before collected deliveries of such velocity. Imran kept hitting spots on the pitch from where the ball reared up at the batsman's throat. He and Sarfraz bowled unchanged for a long spell. They were eight-ball overs, but the steady fall of wickets kept them going. In Pakistan, fans continued on page 22
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
Harbhajan: Symonds is a lovely guy sYdneY aGeNCIeS
It seems as if the most bitter feud in world cricket is over with Indian offspinner Harbhajan Singh and Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds calling a truce. Putting behind the infamous "Monkeygate" scandal, Harbhajan told 'The Sunday Mail': "I think Andrew Symonds is a lovely guy." Both Harbhajan and Symonds play for the Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians and the "Turbanator" said that while sharing the same dressing room he had realised that the Aussie is a good person. "I have played with him at the Mumbai Indians and I found out he is a really good guy. Me and Symo do not have any problems at all and we get on very well. I understand him now and I think he understands me," insisted Harbhajan.
westwood storms to emphatic victory
Sports 19
28TH MiLLAT GOvERnOR’S CuP GOLF
Awesome Asad prevails on final day g
nushmiya best in ladies event laHoRe
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HE 28th Millat Governor's Cup Golf Tournament concluded on Sunday at the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course after three rounds of frightfully competitive golfing, bringing prestige, glory and a glittering trophy to Maj Asad Zia of Gujranwala Golf Club. Asad oversame the challenge from established ones like Salman Jehangir, Mohsin Anwer, Dr Haider Malli and Waleed Zubair. During the final round Asad avoided flashy hitting, never got overawed by the occasion and played each shot on merit, never trying to play beyond his ability. The approach appeared defensive but paid off in the end bringing him glory oriented dividends. Asad had net rounds of 68, 74 and 71 and a three rounds aggregate of net 213. For Asad this was an occasion of immense joy and cheer and brought him a pat from Sikandar Mustafa Khan of Millat Group who said, "I am glad that a new face has emerged on the amateur golf scene and I wish him more accomplishments in the arena of golf". Others who secured good positions are, Mohsin Anwer, 2nd net and Dr Haider Malhi, 3rd net. In the gross section the winner gross is Mohammed Rehman (Royal Palm), Salman Jehangir (Gymkhana), run-
The prize winners with Punjab governor latif Khosa and Chairman Millat group Sikandar Mustafa. MURTAZA ALI ner up gross and Ahmad Zafar Hayat (Rawalpindi), 3rd gross. Best rounds went to Sardar Murad Khan, Maj Khushal Khan, Saleem Raza in the gross section and Waleed Zubair, Taimur Shabbir and Tariq Mehmood. Amongst the ladies Nushmiya Sukhera showed her talent and visible is her ability to become a golf champion of calibre. Of course studies stand between her and golf heroics but even if she devotes a few hours at least twice a week the results will emerge
and the country can feel proud. Other position holders in ladies section are Mrs Asma Shami and Kara Alam. The net section winners are Noori Zaman, Tehmina Rashid and Naureen Malik. At the conclusion of the championship, Sardar Latif Khan Khosa awarded prizes to the winners in a grand ceremony attended by Sikandar Mustafa Khan, Mian Misbahurrehman, Ziaurrehman, Khawaja Imran Zubair, Amir Mehmood and a large number of golfers.
banGKoK afp
Lee Westwood displayed all his class and experience Sunday as he brushed aside a challenge from Masters champion Charl Schwartzel to win the $1 million Thailand Golf Championship by seven strokes. The emphatic victory at the Amata Spring Country Club, Westwood’s fourth of the season, moved him up to world number two, replacing Rory McIlroy. The Englishman had played fine golf all week including a stunning 12-under-par 60 in the first round. He shot 69 in his final round to finish the tournament on 266, an impressive 22 under par, for his third win in Asia this season. Schwartzel fought hard and briefly threatened the leader, but the South African had to settle for the runner-up spot after shooting an even-par 72. Little-known American Michael Thompson performed well with a 70 to finish in third place, one shot back, while in joint fourth place two strokes further behind were Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol and Simon Dyson of England. “I’m obviously delighted,” said Westwood on his victory. “The first two days were probably the best I’ve ever played. I’ve never had an 11-shot lead after two rounds before.” Although Westwood’s fourth-round score did not match the 60 and 64 of his first two days, he was still very satisfied with it. “I thought 69 was a good score. I putted great on the back nine.” Westwood felt the turning point on Sunday was at the 12th when he sunk a birdie after Schwartzel had also birdied and looked like he might close to within two shots.
Pennetta notches Singapore Women’s Tennis exhibition sInGaPoRe aGeNCIeS
SIngAPore: Flavia Pennetta of Italy (l) and Agnieszka radwanska of Poland pose for a picture. AFP
Italy’s Flavia Pennetta on Sunday won the inaugural Singapore Women’s Tennis Exhibition tournament at the Indoor stadium. Ranked 20th in the world, 29-yearold Pennetta, upstaged her younger and higher ranked opponent, Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska, in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5. Flavia Pennetta said: “I’m really happy because I didn’t expect to play that well. I am really happy about the way I played and also it’s the first time for me in Singapore. “And I was so surprised because I never expect a city like this and so I think it’s a place I can live maybe in the future, we never know.” The organisers of the three-day event are looking to bring her back for the event next year despite the poor crowd support. Earlier in the fight for third spot, Australian Samantha Stosur - the World No 6 - beat China’s Peng Shuai 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. There are plans to make it a full fledged Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event, with more than 30 players competing and lasting over a week. It could be staged as early as November 2012 or January 2013.
vettel blazes to record-breaking second title PaRIs afp
Sebastian vettel proved he was no one hit wonder in 2011, the German in the rampant Red Bull cruising to a runaway defence of his title well before the season rounded its final bend. vettel, who clinched the 2010 crown in a nail-biting finale in Abu Dhabi, rewrote Formula One history with an ease that evoked memories of Michael Schumacher in his pomp. As one previous holder of the coveted championship, McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, struggled with problems both on and off the circuit, vettel could barely do no wrong from flagfall on the streets of Melbourne in March. He led his rivals a merry dance on the Albert Park circuit, and continued to out manoeuvre the chasing pack for the remainder of the year. The carpenter’s son went on to win in Malaysia, Turkey, Spain, a debut success at Monaco, valencia, Belgium, Italy and under the floodlights of Singapore. That last success, his ninth of the season, left him one point shy of the title. A fortnight later, on October 9, he comfortably crossed the line in Japan, finishing third to Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso, to become, at just 24 years and 98 days, the youngest back to back world champion. He was joining a select club of nine including Juan Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna and Schumacher of drivers to successfully defend the title. He also established a new world record for most pole positions in a season, his 15 (from 19 races) surpassing Nigel Mansell’s previous mark set in 1992. vettel celebrated his title by belting out a karaoke version of the Sinatra hit ‘My Way’ in a local Irish bar, arguably the only false note he struck all year, a mid-season blip aside. If Button and co thought he might take his foot off the gas with the championship wrapped up they couldn’t have been more mistaken, as vettel went on to win in South Korea - handing Red Bull their second successive constructors’ title - and the inaugural race in India. For Hamilton, 2011 proved a largely frustrating season. He produced a brace of brilliant drives to win in China and Abu Dhabi but those peaks were far outnumbered by the troughs. The 2008 champion cut an unhappy figure for much of the campaign, the split with his manager, father Anthony, and fiancee, pop singer Nicole Scherzinger, appearing to weigh on his mind. And he became embroiled in a distracting feud with Felipe Massa, the friends colliding six times in Keystone cop-style over the course of the season. Hamilton’s roller-coaster year was summed up when he was forced to retire with gearbox trouble in Sao Paulo.
Ahmed wins MMA Cup for Rijas/Pessi laHoRe Staff RepoRt
The combined team of Rijas/Pessi won the MMA Polo Cup that concluded here at the Aibak ground of LPC on Sunday. Ahmed Ali Tiwana with three goals led the Rijas/Pessi’s 5-3 win over JS Bank while Faisal Shahzad and Atif Yar Tiwana shared one goal each for the winners. Shiraz Qureshi and Omar Asjad Malhi managed to get one goal each for JS Bank. And all the eight goals, five from the winners and two of the losing side, were the registered in a field move. Later, chief guest Gen (retd) Jehangir Karamat presented the winner’s trophy to Rijas/Pessi. In the other game of the day, Guard Group thrashed PICIC Insurance 8 ½-3. Saqib Khan Khakwani was the star of the win with Hamza Mawaz Khan and Ahmed Zubair getting one goal each while Danyal Hashmi and Sameer Habib Oberoi shared one each from the losing side. Umpires for the matches were Agha Murtaz Ali Khan, Raja Temur Nadeem, Usman Haye and Shaukat Ali Malik.
lAHore: Chief guest gen (retd) Jehangir Karamat with the winning team. (r) Players vie for the ball in the final of the MMA Polo Cup at the lahore Polo Club. MURTAZA ALI
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20 Sports
Monday, 19 December, 2011
nATiOnAL wOMEn’S HOCkEy CHAMPiOnSHiP
Unbeaten WAPDA romp to title victory laHoRe Staff RepoRt
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APDA remained unbeaten to win the 27th National Women’s Hockey Championship that concluded here at the National Hockey Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar handed over the winner’s trophy to the captain and other members of the WAPDA team. Also present on the occasion were Secretary General PHF Women Wing Mrs Tanzeela Aamir Cheema, Organising Secretary Mrs. Abida Tanveer and Tournament Director Miss. Parveen Sikandar Gill. WAPDA played the fourth match of the day and with little trouble beat Sindh Colours 6-0. WAPDA played the opening half like there is no other half going to be played. They started attacking inch by inch and go through the bar five times and when there was no serious attack from Sindh Colours, WAPDA strikers eased up in their attacks. In the second half, Sindh instead of trying to fight back, went into defence and allowed WAPDA just one goal to keep the score
nbP and Army register wins in PPFl laHoRe Staff RepoRt
NBP and Army got full three points each for their wins in the 8th Pakistan Premier Football League on Sunday. NBP beat Navy 2-0 at the Jinnah Football Stadium, Islamabad. NBP’s goals came from midfielder Waseem Qadir in the 52nd minute and forward Ateeq Ullah hit a goal the 71st minute. In the second match, Army beat KESC 10 at the Jinnah Football Stadium, Islamabad. The winning goal of the match came through Army’s Shakeel Yousuf in the 86 Minute. Meanwhile, in the 8th Pakistan Football Federation League (2nd Division League) University FC Faisalabad and Wohaib FC Lahore played a goalless at the Punjab Football Stadium. Monday will be a rest day in the league.
poINt taBLe pS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
teaMS wAPDA rAIlwAY ArMY H.e.C PunJAb (C) SInDH (w) bAloCHISTAn SInDH (C) PunJAb (w) K.P.K
p 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
W 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
low as possible as they could. Azra Nasir got three goals while Rukyia had two and Uzma Lal one to earn to get Wapda 6-0 win and the title. Rabia Qadir of WAPDA Hockey team secured the Best Player of the Tournament, top scorer of the event award went to Hina Kanwal of Railways hockey team for hitting 42 goals and best goalkeeper was Sadia Syeda of Railway while third position trophy went to Army and Railway were awarded the runner up trophy. In the first match of the day, Army beat HEC to secure third place with 3-1 win. Army took lead of two goals in the first half and maintained that lead till second half.
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
L 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Gf 104 103 61 27 49 15 7 6 5 1
Ga 0 5 6 13 10 39 52 54 91 108
ptS 27 24 21 18 15 12 9 6 3 0
GD +104 +98 +55 +14 +39 -24 -45 -48 -86 -108
However, just before the final whistle Army swelled the lead to finish third place 3-1. Kalsum of Army got two goals and Shamshad had one while HEC reduced the score through Mehreen. In the second match, Balochistan beat Punjab Whites 2-0. Poor Punjab failed to get even into the Balochistan danger zone as much Baloch girls did. Their two goals came in the either halves through Sonia and Rozina. Sindh blanked KPK by five goals. They had little trouble coping with the tempo of the game in the first 35 minutes in which KPK maintained solid defence to give one goal. But as the match entered
lAHore: wAPDA girls with the tournament trophy. MURTAZA ALI the second half, KPK lost not only its stamina but also its defence weakened that allowed Sindh to score four goals. Madhia got three while Zaib-un-Nisa and Sanum shared added one goal each. In
Brilliant Barca crush Santos Ivanovic finds Mr right in golf to win Club World Cup star Adam Scott YoKoHama afp
Lionel Messi grabbed a brace as a rampant Barcelona out-classed the Brazilians Santos 4-0 to lift the Club World Cup on Sunday and confirm their status as the best team on the planet. The clash between the European and South American champions in Japan had been billed as a showdown between Messi, widely acknowledged as the best player in the world, and 19year-old Brazilian sensation Neymar. In the event, it was no contest -- either between the two supreme talents or their teams -- as Barcelona picked up their second world crown after winning the competition in 2009. Messi, set up by
Xavi, got the first after 17 minutes, before Xavi put Barcelona 2-0 up just seven minutes later to put them firmly in control, as prodigious forward Neymar struggled to get a sniff of the ball. Cesc Fabregas, who pulled the strings in midfield, got the third on the stroke of half-time as the Spanish champions, who were at full-strength, threatened to run riot for the full house of 68,166. Messi got his second eight minutes from time as he rounded the keeper to roll the ball in after the influential Dani Alves threaded the ball through to him. Barca, who lost striker David villa to a fractured shin in Thursday’s semi-final, had the better of an open first 15 minutes, Messi forcing a save out of Rafael Cabral after skipping a couple of half-hearted Santos
challenges. Shortly after that the Argentine was at it again, taking a dinked pass from Xavi and lifting the ball delicately over Cabral from just a few yards out to put the Catalans into an early lead at the International Stadium in Yokohama. It was all Barca, so it was no surprise when they went further ahead on 24 minutes, full-back Alves driving down the right wing and cutting inside to set up Xavi, who rifled the ball past a horribly exposed Cabral. Television cameras quickly focused on a glumlooking Neymar. Still Barca and Messi kept coming. On 26 minutes he was denied by a terrific last-gasp tackle when through on goal, and three minutes later Fabregas struck Cabral’s near post after he was set up by Xavi.
PFF increases PPFl prize money laHoRe Staff RepoRt
The Pakistan Football Federation has enhanced the prize money of PFF League. According to the press release issued here by Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the prize money of the PFFL has been enhanced from Rs. 2,00,000/ to Rs. 2,50,000/- for winning team, best player of the league from 40,000 to 50,000 best referee from 20,000 to 30,000 and best assistant referee from 10,000 to 15,000.
the final mach of the day, Railways defeated Punjab Colours 3-0. They got two goals in the first half. Railways got their share of goals from Hina Kanwal, Maria Sabir and Isma Ashraf one each.
YoKoHAMA: FC barcelona players celebrate after their victory over Santos FC in the FIFA Club world Cup football final. AFP
sYdneY aGeNCIeS
RICH? Tick. Famous? Tick. Handsome? Tick. Outrageously talented? Tick. His pedigree is the bane of every average bloke, but that's not what netted Australian golf star Adam Scott the most gorgeous girl in tennis. For Serbian stunner Ana Ivanovic, it's the little things Scott does away from the gala dinners and red carpet that have courted her a second time. "I like the relaxed, laid-back Australian mentality," Ivanovic confessed. "And I also feel like he's very helpful around the house. "When we're together he offers to do things and help - much more than Serbian men would. "He hasn't cooked yet ... but he has promised to make me a dish." Ivanovic and Scott resumed their relationship this year to re-claim the undisputed crown of sport's most glamorous couple. According to Ivanovic, their break-up was a chance to re-focus on their careers. "It was tough times for both of us," she said. "Sometimes you need time apart to figure things out. We felt there was so much more we could achieve with our careers. "In the end, it has all been for the good. It has been really nice for both of us." But deciding on Mr Right hasn't been the only challenge in Ivanovic's life. She's also spent most of her career searching for a right-hand man to inspire the form that took her to world No.1 three years ago.
Pakistan’s rise began in Australia 35 years ago continued from page 20 were electrified when Australia were dismissed for 211. After a fighting draw in Adelaide and a one-sided defeat in Melbourne, suddenly there was a beam of hope. In reply, Pakistan started briskly, but soon wobbled at 111 for 4. Both openers were gone, in addition to captain Mushtaq and the in-form Zaheer Abbas. Time and again Asif had displayed an ability to be sharply focused in adversity. Here he put his head down and crafted yet another recovery. With substantial help
from Haroon Rasheed, who made 57 on debut, and Miandad, who had struggled thus far in Australia but now fought his way to an impressive 64, Asif made an unforgettable century to pull his team ahead. "It was an innings notable for extreme concentration and application," Chappell wrote. Asif's memory of that knock is dominated by the need to get past Australia. "I had already got a big hundred in Adelaide to save the match," he says. "Now everything was about taking a big lead. I didn't know Haroon then, but he played well. I had more faith in Miandad; he played well too. Playing with these youngsters lifted me up."
Despite a lead of 149, anxiety prevailed in the Pakistan camp. There was fear of an Australian backlash, and the worry that the bowling success in the first innings might have been a fluke. Such worries were shortlived. Sarfraz produced his away movement and dangerous off-stump line again, while Imran had passed into another dimension altogether, from which he would never look back for the rest of his career. Pakistan's fielding too touched new heights. Bari took seven catches behind the stumps in the match. Zaheer even broke his glasses diving for a sharp chance, and substitute fielder Wasim Raja fired in a
throw that ran out Rod Marsh. "The dressing-room atmosphere was of comradeship," remembers Bari. "In order to do well on a tour you have to be enjoying yourself, and we certainly were." Success in Sydney infused Pakistan with self-belief and a vision. It also unearthed for them an authentic fast bowler, a necessity for any great team, and which up to that point had seemed biologically implausible from the subcontinent. Most important was the shift in mindset. "Toplevel cricket demands great physical skill, but 60% of it is psychological," notes Imran. Sydney provided Pakistan with that
inner mental advantage, an x factor. If you track Pakistan's win-loss ratio in Test cricket through time, it forms what scientists call a J-shaped curve. After success in the 1950s, the line dips into a disappointing trough of defeats through the '60s. As you get into the '70s, the team stops losing, which arrests the decline, but since there are few wins, the graph stays flat. It is after Sydney in 1977 that it starts sloping upwards - a trend that has continued into modern times, giving Pakistan the third-best cumulative win-loss ratio in Test history, behind Australia and England.
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
Afghan reconciliation process suffered most from Pak-uS standoff Islamabad SHaIQ HuSSaIN
The standoff between Pakistan and the United States over the last month’s deadly NATO air strike which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers has dealt a serious blow to the Afghan reconciliation process, as Islamabad appears uninterested in resuming mediation efforts between the US, Afghan government and the Taliban. Before the NATO strike on two Pakistani border posts in Mohmand Agency, the US had been urging Islamabad to play the role of an active facilitator for the success of the reconciliation process. The US administration had also expressed its willingness to give Pakistan a leading role in the dialogue between Kabul and Taliban backed by Washington. But before Islamabad could reply, the deadly air strike strained the ties between the two key allies in the war on terror. Before the air strike, Pakistan was unhappy with the US for sidelining it in the reconciliation talks, as Islamabad was kept in the dark about the initial contacts made by Washington to reach directly to the Taliban in Qatar and Germany. However, Pakistani diplomatic circles say that once Islamabad opted for a strong stance on being ignored or not taken into confidence over the reconciliation process, the US started sending positive signals that it was willing to give Pakistan a major role in this regard. “The NATO air strike, nonetheless, changed the whole situation and the positive impact from US acceptance of Pakistan’s key role in the reconciliation process seems to have gone wasted, as Pakistani authorities have once again started giving a cold shoulder to Washington on this front,” said a Pakistani diplomat seeking anonymity on Sunday. He said the Pakistani authorities were not interested in making contacts with the Taliban for the success of the reconciliation process, but they were waiting for the American response to Islamabad’s demands for NATO’s apology over the air strike and a firm assurance that no such breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty would be repeated in future.
woman among 3 shot dead in Quetta QUeTTa SHaHZaDa ZuLfIQaR
Three persons including a woman were killed in various incidents of violence in different parts of Balochistan on Sunday. According to police, unidentified armed men opened indiscriminate fire on a Quetta bound car, coming from Karachi in Mastung area. As a result, two of the occupants sustained serious wounds and died on the spot. The attackers fled from the scene after committing the crime. Police after getting information rushed to the site and shifted the dead bodies to hospital for autopsy. One of the deceased was identified as Shams-ud-din resident of Quetta. HusbAnd KiLLs wiFE: In another incident in Dera Murad Jamali area of Naseerabad district, some 380km southeast of Quetta, one Abdul Rashid opened fire on his wife and fled from the scene. As a result she received injuries and was killed on the spot. Police said the accused killed his wife in the name of honour and police is trying to hunt him down.
Chaudhrys bar PPP from inducting Q members Islamabad
T
IRfaN BuKHaRI
HE Pakistan Muslim LeagueQuaid (PML-Q) has refused to allow the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to take on board its members likely to defect to the PML-Nawaz and the Pakistan Tehrike-Insaf (PTI). A source in the PML-Q told Pakistan Today that PPP leader Faryal Talpur, who is in Lahore nowadays to mobilise her party, sought permission from Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi to take into PPP’s fold PML-Q lead-
ers likely to join Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, as the move would prevent the opponents of the allied ruling parties gain strength. However, the Chaudhrys told Talpur not to steal their members, and that the PML-Q would soon control the frequent defections to other parties. A PMLQ leader said that when both the PML-N and the PTI were inducting PML-Q heavyweights in Punjab, the PPP was not doing so because of an agreement between the Chaudhrys and President Asif Ali Zardari to respect each other’s mandate. “Now, the PPP leadership has started realising that its policy of closing doors to PML-Q leaders was damaging the political interests of
both the PPP and the PML-Q, as some leaders from the Q-League who have joined or intend to join either the PML-N or the PTI were also interested in making individual deals with the PPP,” he added. Recently, a group of PML-Q senators, including Tariq Azim, Javed Ali Shah and Naeem Chattha recently met Nawaz Sharif, while a number of heavyweights such as Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Sikandar Bosan, Ishaq Khakwani, Senator Jamal Leghari, Col (r) Ghulam Sarwar Cheema, GG Jamal, Senator Mohabat Khan Marri, Awais Legari and others are set to join the PTI. Former PML-Q parliamentarians Ghulam Murtaza Maitla and Asghar
Shah, and former Tehsil Nazim Qalandar Hussnain Shah have already joined the PML-N. Commenting on defections from the Q-League, a central party leader said unless the Chaudhrys controlled defections, the proposed seat adjustment between the PPP and the PML-Q for next elections could not be reached. “A majority of sitting parliamentarians affiliated with the Chaudhrys fear that their immediate defection would deprive them of huge development funds being provided by the prime minister. Once development schemes are completed, they will not wait for a minute to become turncoats,” he added.
nawaz renews vow to fight dictatorship
LaHoRe: the father of Lt Syed Irteza abbas Shaheed receiving his regimental cap after his burial ceremony at the army Graveyard, Cavalry Ground. Irteza embraced martyrdon in an IeD blast in Kurram agency. PR
laHoRe app
ZARDARI BACK continued from page 01
According to sources, Zardari would rest in Karachi for some days and then leave for Islamabad. After being discharged from the hospital, the president kept a regular contact with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and his close aides, who had been telling the media that he was “OK” and would return soon. Insiders say the meeting between the prime minister and Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani last Friday was “very significant”, as misunderstandings were removed during the meeting with Zardari talking to Gilani and Kayani. Senator Faisal Raza Abadi, a close aide of the president, told Pakistan Today on Sunday that the president would return any time after midnight. “Mark my words and also bring on record those who had been saying that the president would not return,” he said. Senior Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader
and federal minister Khurshid Shah had said in a recent Tv programme that the president would return before December 27. Similarly, on Sunday Gilani also said the president would return before the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto (December 27). However, his critics continued to suggest that Zardari would not return until the memo controversy was resolved. But some independent political analysts believed that while the memo issue was still wrapped in mystery, there was no threat to the president. They believed that Zardari would return to attend his wife’s death anniversary because his absence on the occasion would damage his party. The president had left Pakistan for a sudden health visit to Dubai on December 6. The conflicting official statements about his departure had, however, created confusions as a clear truth about his health was not told. The situation got clear when Zardari’s doctors at the American Hospital
issued a certificate on December 13 and discharged him from the hospital the next day. “All investigations were within normal range and he was kept under observation for a few more days and (he) is planned to be discharged on December 15 to rest at home as advised and to continue on his regular heart medications,” the certificate issued by the American Hospital said, adding that Zardari had been admitted to the hospital on December 6 with a complaint of numbness and twitching in the left arm, and a transient episode of loss of consciousness that lasted for a few seconds. Upon arrival at the hospital’s emergency room, the president was fully awake and conscious. Given the history of his heart disease, cardiac and neurological tests were carried out which included MRI of the brain, lumbar puncture, 2-D echocardiogram, carotid Doppler and a complete blood test.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Sunday vowed to resist any move to establish dictatorship ‘tooth and nail.’ Speaking to PML-N members at his Raiwand residence, he said political parties were an asset and a symbol of national unity but dictators had played the game of dividing them and created parties of their choice to prolong their rule. He said dictatorships had damaged the democratic process and put the national unity and solidarity at stake. He said, “We again will give the nation a Pakistan where ratio of progress is much more in the region, job opportunities for youth were increasing, there was conducive atmosphere of local and foreign investment, national unity and the people are satisfied and confident with regard to their future,” he added. Separately, Nawaz shall undertake a three-day tour to Karachi from Monday (today). PML-N sources said he will meet politicians, lawyers, business leaders, youth and civil society members. He is expected to meet PML-F chief Pir Pagara. He shall announce the PML-N Provincial President and provincial body during his three day stay in Sindh. Several politicians from Sindh are expected to join PML-N. Separately, a PML-N spokeman revealed Nawaz will also meet prominent Baloch leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal at his Karachi residence today and discuss the Balochistan situation.
zardari has damaged PPP: Imran Khan PIndI GHeb INp
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)Chairman Imran Khan on Sunday claimed President Zardari had attempted a suicide attack on the PPP and overshadowed the efforts of past military rulers who could never achieve the objective to inflict damage upon the party. Addressing a gathering in Pindi Khep on Sunday, the PTI chief said that a country where big criminals occupy big slots can have no future. He said the PTI tsunami is against the big dynastic political parties. He said the PPP government has failed in addressing the issues of the people. He said the PTI, on coming to power, would help farmers stand on their feet.
Tape scandal to be made public in return to 90s politics Islamabad taHIR NIaZ
In what seemed to be a step to revive the politics of the 90s and muddle political issues at the judicial front, the government on Sunday decided to collect details of the “tape scandal” and make it public. The government has decided to bring up the scandal, involving PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, at a critical juncture when the Supreme Court (SC) has taken up the memo issue on a petition filed by Nawaz. Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Sunday said the government would make the details of the “tape scandal” public. Talking
to media persons after visiting the First International Target and Outdoor Shooting Sports (TOSS) Show at Pak-China Friendship Centre, he said he had directed the Secretary Interior to collect the details of the “tape scandal.” He said people had a right to know the truth. He said that during Nawaz Sharif’s regimes, Benazir Bhutto was awarded “double doze” (punishment) in fake cases. He said the government would expose the vested interests behind the “tape scandal” and produce solid proofs before the public. THE ‘TApE-sCAndAL’: During the Nawaz Sharif regime, the then law minister, Khalid Anwar allegedly called Justice Malik
Qayyum who was hearing the trial of Benazir Bhutto and her spouse, Asif Ali Zardari in SGS Reference in the Accountability Court, and told that “Somebody is unhappy over the delay of hearing of this case. He has complained about the case to Saif that nothing has been done so far and why has it not been concluded.” He informed the judge that “the gentleman [Mian Nawas Sharif] was very unhappy” and asked the judge that “Now I am thinking if you could reach the final result within the outside limit of two weeks” and “So get it done on Monday”. In response, Justice Malik Qayyum informed the Minister that “It is being done on Monday. After this we have to give them some time for defence
evidence and then the matter will be closed.” According to an Intelligence Bureau official, (A. Rahim, Deputy Director/IB) when the Benazir Bhutto trial hearing started in SGS Reference in the Accountability Court headed by Justice Qayyum, the then government ordered the Intelligence Sub-Bureau Lahore to monitor all the office, home and mobile telephones of Justice Qayyum to keep him under constant observation. When he began bugging Qayyum’s telephone, he came to discover what he termed “the sheer abuse of power/abuse of judiciary” and through informed the then President on 29-01-2001 about the story. He also submitted copies
of the transcript of the conversation between Saif-ur-Rehman, head of the accountability bureau during Nawaz regime and other government functionaries and Justice Malik Abdul Qayyum and 65 Minutes recorded tape to the authorities concerned. Malik Qayyum was embroiled in middle of controversy when, as Attorney General of Pakistan, he wrote a letter to the Swiss authorities to close cases against President Zardari. ‘SMS-mongers to be taken to task:’ Malik also said the government would take stern action against the people, who were creating panic among the masses by spreading rumours through Short Messaging Service (SMS).
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Monday, 19 December, 2011
Musharraf to return in January
SC takes up memo case today amidst questions over its jurisdiction
laHoRe Staff RepoRt
Islamabad MaSooD ReHMaN
A nine-member larger bench of the Supreme Court (SC) headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry will resume hearing today (Monday) on a set of identical constitutional petitions filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif and others seeking probe into the memo controversy, which has overshadowed the entire political scenario of the country. The court will also examine a host of replies, applications and affidavits filed by the respondents and petitioners in the memo scandal. Although the apex court set December 16 as the deadline for filing replies in the memo controversy, no government official is sure if or when President Asif Ali Zardari would file his response.The federation, instead of filing its formal reply to the memo case, has challenged the SC’s jurisdiction to hear pleas into the memo issue under Article 184(3) of the constitution.Almost all leading constitutional experts of the country, including Justice (r) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim, Justice (r) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui, Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, Justice (r) Tariq Mahmood, Barrister Kamal Azfar, Hamid Khan, Khalid Anwar, Justice (r) Rasheed A Rizvi, Khalid Ranjha, Barrister Makhdoom Ali Khan and Asma Jahangir, counsel for former ambassador to US Hussain Haqqani – a central character of the memo issue – unanimously agree that the SC has the jurisdiction to hear the memo case. However a minority believes that the apex court showed haste in issuing notices to the respondents on the preliminary hearing of the case. Despite the opinion of the legal experts, the federation remains adamant in challenging the SC’s jurisdiction to entertain petitions against the memo issue, arguing that no violation of fundamental rights of the petitioners was involved in the case. Some legal experts believe that the replies filed by the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior could not be treated as the federation’s reply. They were commenting on the argument by some quarters that the reply of the ministries filed through Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq could be considered the federation’s response. The law experts said the federation would have to file a separate reply which would be considered the president’s response.
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LaHoRe: Ijazul Haq, Hafiz Saeed, Maulana Samiul Haq and Sheikh Rashid exchanging views during the Difa-e-pakistan Conference organised by the Difa-e-pakistan Council at Iqbal park. INP
Right-wingers rally to demand exit from US terror war g
warn rulers against restoring nATo supply routes, tell nation to prepare for jihad if uS attacks laHoRe
R
NaSIR Butt
ELIGIOUS and right-wing parties on Sunday staged a mighty show of power to convey an unambiguous message to the West, and the Pakistani government to part ways with the United States-led war on terror. Tens of thousands of charged people gathered to demand the rulers to immediately withdraw from the US-led war, saying participation in the war had ruined Pakistan and emboldened NATO for direct attacks on its army. They asked for permanently severing NATO supply lines, in addition to calling the nation to prepare for jihad in case the US invaded Pakistan. Leaders of religious parties, Islamic scholars and defence experts addressed the gathering, one of the biggest ever in the
provincial capital. According to police, more than 70,000 people attended the Defence of Pakistan Conference organised by the Pakistan Defence Council (PDC) – a grouping of 30 political and religious parties formed after recent NATO strikes on Pakistani troops. The conference was chaired by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) chief Maulana Samiul Haq. Other speakers included included Jamaat-udDawah chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Liaquat Baloch, former ISI chief General (r) Hameed Gul, Awami Muslim League President Sheikh Rasheed and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf Senior vice President Ijaz Chaudhry. They asked the government to honour its mandate and come out of Washington’s “war against Muslims” and ignore its pressure to award the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan’s archrival
India. They said the massive attendance was a clear message that the Pakistani nation was fully prepared to fight if the US waged a war against it. They asked the participants to pledge that if NATO supply lines were restored, the entire nation would come out on the streets against the rulers. The PDC leaders also vowed to support the freedom struggle in Kashmir against the Indian occupation. A message from nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was also read out on the occasion. Several speakers condemned the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the JUIFazl without directly mentioning their names, saying they had proved that they were on the US’ side. Minority leaders representing the Sikh, Christian and Hindu communities were also present on the occasion to express solidarity against the US aggression.
Published by Arif Nizami for Nawa Media Corporation (Pvt) Ltd at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore.
Declaring the country’s condition as serious, which direly needed a change, former president and All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) President General (r) Pervez Musharraf announced on Sunday that he will return to the country in January instead of March. Addressing a 32-minute long video conference from London, the former president focused on issues such as memogate scandal, the president’s illness, economy, destruction of profitable stateowned organisations, terrorism and the Mohmand incident and said that the panacea for Pakistan’s prevailing challenges did not lie in undemocratic initiatives and incorporating the military into politics would be very fatal for the country and the people. Musharraf said that the ISI and air force were guarantors of Pakistan’s solidarity and sovereignty, adding that some conspiring elements were making conspiracies through the memo issue to defame the ISI and security forces. The former president said that he will launch a campaign on his return with the help of the masses to counter threats facing the country. He said that enemies of Pakistan knew that they could achieve the target of weakening Pakistan only through weakening the army and ISI, adding that it was unfortunate that some Pakistanis were knowingly or unknowingly doing the dirty work of foreign powers to damage the image of the army and ISI. The APML president said that the NATO incursion at Mohmand Agency’s check post was a dangerous omen but the federal government and the people should not handle the issue emotionally but logically. He said, “The federal government and people should definitely get an answer from NATO for martyring 24 soldiers boldly but they should not handle the issue emotionally”. Musharraf said that the ISI was fighting a war with the local and foreign enemies of Pakistan and it was very good at confronting enemies of the state, adding that the ISI’s professional standards could be matched with the CIA, Mossad and Raw, as the agency with meager resources was countering its much bigger enemies. Earlier, APML Secretary General Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, APML Punjab President Zahid Sarfraz, Ahmed Raza Kasuri and APML Spokesman Fawad Chaudhry also addressed the event. This was the first successful APML moot in Lahore as compared to previous shows of Musharraf loyalists in the stronghold of the PML-N.